737 Max

Indian airline Jet Airways has finalised a $5bn firm order to purchase 50 fuel-efficient Boeing 737 Max aircraft, becoming the first Indian operator to place an order for the variant.

Recently, Boeing and Jet Airways confirmed the purchase agreement for the 737 Max 8 aeroplanes.

Although the deal for 737 Max is valued at $5bn, airlines secure discounts on placing firm orders.

Jet Airways has not announced the firm order officially and is still in discussions over the selection of engine to power its 737 Max airliners, reported Business Standard citing sources.

"For now, the airline has decided to order the 737 Max," the source said. "Financing options will be decided closer to the delivery date."

Powered by the new Leap-1B engines from CFM International, the 737 Max will feature a redesigned tail cone and the Boeing designed advanced technology winglet to reduce fuel use.

"Financing options will be decided closer to the delivery date."

According to Boeing, the 737 Max reduces fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 13% and offers an 8% operating cost advantage to operators.

The 737 Max family includes the 737 Max 7, 737 Max 8 and 737 Max 9 and will serve 100 to more than 200-seat segment.

The 737 Max will extend the Next-Generation 737 range with the capability to fly more than 6,482km, an increase of 741km-1,000km compared with the Next-Generation 737.

Jet Airways and Jet Konnect currently operate a fleet of 110 aircraft, including 69 Boeing 737s that fly on domestic and international routes.

Meanwhile, Jet Airways is in negotiations to lease five Airbus A330 to Kuwait Airways in order to reduce losses as many of its Airbus aircraft have been on ground due to halting services on loss-making routes.

Image: Jet Airways is still in discussions over the selection of engine to power its 737 Max airliners. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

Defence Technology