Boeing

Indian carrier Jet Airways has placed an order for 75 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, marking its largest-ever fleet order placed to date.

The order includes options and purchase rights for another 50 aircraft.

Jet aims to replace its old fleet with the 737 Max aircraft, which will be delivered in 2018.

The 737 Max features latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, advanced technology winglets and other improvements to ensure greater efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort.

Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal said: "This order is an endorsement of our confidence in the long-term prospects of the Indian aviation sector, which reflects the positive forecast for the country’s economy, and offers tremendous potential for growth and development.

"Jet Airways has led the path in Indian aviation, providing enhanced connectivity between domestic and international sectors.

"We are aligned with the government of India’s mission to provide affordable air connectivity to the people across the country."

"We are aligned with the government of India’s mission to provide affordable air connectivity to the people across the country."

Jet has a fleet of 115 aircraft which includes Boeing 777-300 ERs, Airbus A330-200/300s, next-generation Boeing 737s and ATR 72-500/600s.

Boeing said the single-aisle 737 Max aircraft uses 20% lower fuel than its predecessors and delivers minimal operating costs.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes president Ray Conner said: "The 737 MAX will bring new standards for fuel efficiency and economics, and a premium passenger experience to Jet Airways."

Separately, Boeing partnered with Tata Advanced Systems to create a joint venture to manufacture aerostructures for aircraft and explore integrated systems development opportunities in India.

Under the deal, a manufacturing centre of excellence will be created to produce aerostructures for the AH-64 Apache helicopter and to compete for additional manufacturing work packages across Boeing’s commercial and defence platforms.

Image: The 737 Max 8. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.