As the Paris Air Show comes to a close, Boeing will be celebrating a successful week as it moves forward with a healthy set of orders from airlines around the world.
Following an obvious dip during the pandemic, the aviation industry has seen a relatively healthy recovery recently which has been reflected in Boeing’s order book with over 1,000 aircraft orders and commitments placed with the company in the last year.
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Subsequently, the aircraft manufacturer has built on its already strong start to the year, including a record order from Ryanair, with firm orders at the international show for 286 jets and commitments or options for over 70 more.
Air India
The largest order of the week came from one of the biggest airlines in Asia, Air India, which ordered up to 290 aircraft across a variety of Boeing models.
The Tata Group company’s order included 190 737 MAXs, 20 787 Dreamliners and 10 777X jets as well as options for another 50 737 MAXs and 20 787 Dreamliners.
First announced in February, the order was finalised at the Paris Air Show and is Boeing’s largest order in South Asia, a region which is expected to triple its fleet in the next two decades.
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By GlobalDataThe investment from Air India forms part of the airline’s Vihaan.AI transformation plan looking to build its presence both internationally and in the domestic market, where it currently sits behind rival Indigo, which also placed a historic order with Airbus this week.
Avolon
Another relatively large order for Boeing came not from an airline but from leasing company Avolon, which ordered 40 of the 737 MAX jets, specifically the 737-8.
CEO Andy Cronin said the order showed Avolon’s confidence in future customer demand for the model, with its delivery pipeline now stretching through to 2023, thanks to the reduction in fuel use and emissions offered by the 737 MAXs when compared to similar models.
Cronin said: “The transitioning of the global fleet to more fuel-efficient new-technology aircraft is a priority for our industry and we are looking to play a leading role by supporting airlines in achieving their sustainability objectives.”
Air Algérie
While Boeing will be happy with the two larger purchases by Air India and Avolon, the manufacturer was also able to pick up several smaller orders, including one from Air Algérie for eight of the 737 MAX jets.
Alongside confirming that order, Air Algérie also signed a memorandum of understanding for two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters as the airline looks to meet growing demand in the region.
Air Algérie general manager Yacine Benslimane said that the order of the 737 MAX, specifically from the 737-9 family, was part of the airline’s wider fleet extension strategy.
China Airlines
Taiwan-based China Airlines was responsible for another of the smaller Boeing orders at the Paris Air Show as it finalised a purchase of eight 787-9 Dreamliners.
The order continues a recently developed demand for the model by the airline after it placed its first order for 16 of the jets last year.
However, the company has also decided to slightly expand its options as it has converted six of its 787-9s on order to 787-10s, the largest of the 787 family.
Luxair
Despite only placing a relatively small order for four Boeing 737-7s, part of the 737 MAX family, Luxembourg airline Luxair will still be making history as the European launch customer for the model.
The commitment comes only shortly after the airline placed an order for four 737-8s, as it looks to “secure a long-term future” for the company, according to CEO Gilles Feith.
Feith further said: “This type of aircraft is a perfect match for Luxair and will meet the requirements of the market. Seating 160 passengers, the 737-7 will offer flexibility across the Luxair destination network while significantly reducing fuel consumption.”
Luxair will also be leasing two 737-8s ahead of taking delivery of the first in its own order.
Akasa Air
Although not as large as Air India, Akasa Air was another Indian airline to work on expanding its fleet at the Paris Air Show with an order for four 737 MAXs, in the 737-8 range.
The order is an expansion of the airline’s existing backlog, which will now consist of 23 737-8s and 53 737-8-200s.
Air Lease Corporation
The smallest order of the week for Boeing came from another leasing company in Air Lease Corporation, purchasing two 787 Dreamliners to add to its fleet.
The company has been a long-standing customer of the 787 family since placing its first order of the 787-9 in 2010.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stan Deal said: “ALC is a key strategic leasing partner to Boeing and we are delighted that it continues to see the value proposition of the 787 family for its customers.”
