Boeing follows Embraer with end of year order rush
As mentioned in a previous post, the end of year rush is a common occurrence for airlines and manufactures, where each strive to hunt for new aircraft and orders. Now that we’ve seen Embraer score a set of orders, we focus on Boeing, who recently, secured orders and commitments for up to 150 aircraft.
The following customers and their orders are detailed below:
Green Africa
Green Africa Airways, a startup based in based in Lagos, has placed an order for up to 100 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, comprising of 50 firm and 50 options. The deal, valued at $11.7 billion at list prices, is said to be the largest from Africa according to Boeing.
Founder and CEO of Green Africa Airways, Babawande Afolabi, reflected on the deal in the following statement to media:
“Today is a historic day for the Nigerian and African aviation industry. This landmark deal takes us much closer t our long-held dream of building a world-class airline that will unlock a new realm of positive possibilities for millions of customers. Broadly speaking, this deal is a bold symbol of the dynamism, resilience and soaring entrepreneurial drive of the next generation Nigerians and Africans.”
Boeing has not listed any additional information within the deal such as services and management plans.
Flyadeal
Low-cost arm of Saudia, Flyadeal, which commenced operations in 2017 using Airbus A320s, has agreed to purchase 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with the deal also including options for an additional 20.
Valued at $5.9 billion at list prices, Boeing is quick to notify media of the switch from Airbus, stating the MAX 8 offers Flyadeal 12 more passengers than their existing A320s as well as an eight percent lower operating cost per seat.
Directer General of Saudi Arabian Airlines, His Excellency Eng, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, released the following statement to media about the deal:
“The demand for air transport services in the domestic market of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has grown exponentially. A new brand, with a fresh identity focused on low-fares, Flyadeal has brought to the market a new choice – which has been received very positively.”
In later statements, His Excellency mentioned the addition of the 737 MAX will provide the airline with network and fleet expansion opportunities with new routes outside of Saudi Arabia as well as the domestic ones being investigated.
As noted above being a switch from Airbus to Boeing in the narrowbody market, a board was set up to determine whether the A320neo Family or 737 MAX would suit the airline best for the coming years. Additionally, although a deal has been signed, terms still apply and such will not be noted in Boeing’s order book until complete.
