Boeing and Air Canada have finalised contract arrangement on a deal for 61 new Boeing 737MAX narrow-bodies.
The order is valued at US$6.5bn (A$7.03bn) at list prices, and comprises 33 737MAX 8s and 23 MAX 9s. Air Canada has also taken options on 18 and purchase rights on an additional 30 737 MAXs.
“Our narrow-body fleet renewal program with the 737 MAX is expected to yield significant cost savings and is a key element of our ongoing cost transformation program ,” President and CEO of Air Canada, Calin Rovinescu said in a statement. “Projected fuel and maintenance cost improvements of more than 20 per cent per seat will generate an estimated CASM reduction of approximately 10 percent compared to our existing narrow-body fleet. In addition, the 737 MAX offers improvements to the environment, making this the best choice for Air Canada.”
The new aircraft will be powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, currently the only engine choice for the MAX.