Monarch 737 Max 8

Monarch Airlines has finalised an order with Boeing for 30 737 MAX 8 aircraft in a deal worth more than $3.2bn at list prices.

Originally announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in July, the order includes options for 15 additional 737 MAX 8s.

The purchase marks the British carrier’s transition to an all-Boeing single-aisle fleet.

Monarch Group CEO Andrew Swaffield said: "The 737 MAX 8 fits our network strategy of serving our traditional European leisure routes in greater frequency, providing increased choice and service for Monarch customers, with significantly improved unit costs to our business."

Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the 737 MAX is equipped with advanced technology winglets and other enhancements that are claimed to offer higher efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort compared with other single-aisle aircraft.

"The purchase marks the British carrier’s transition to an all-Boeing single-aisle fleet."

The 737 MAX is said to offer 14% in fuel efficiency over the current Next-Generation 737s, and an 8% per seat operating cost advantage compared with the A320neo, according to Boeing.

The aircraft has received 2,325 orders from 48 customers to date.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes European Sales vice-president Todd Nelp said: "The 737 MAX is the perfect aeroplane for Monarch as it moves its business model from a traditional charter carrier to a European scheduled leisure airline, offering improved efficiencies, high reliability and an outstanding passenger experience."

Finalising of the agreement comes after investment firm Greybull Capital acquired 90% stake in Monarch group.

London Luton Airport-headquartered Monarch caters to holiday destinations across the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, as well as European ski resorts. It also operates from London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands and Leeds-Bradford.

Image: A 737 MAX 8 in Monarch’s livery. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

Defence Technology