Boeing 737 MAX Orderbook Tops 1,000 with 60-Aircraft ACG Order

Boeing has revealed that leasing company Aviation Capital Group (ACG) finalized an order in late December for 50 737 MAX 8s and 10 737 MAX 9s, taking the total firm orderbook for the 737 MAX family to more than 1,000 aircraft.

“This order is a major step in building our broad portfolio of modern, fuel-efficient airplanes,” said Denis Kalscheur, chief executive officer of Aviation Capital Group. “The 737 MAX enables us to offer our customers airplanes that provide the fuel efficiency, reliability and passenger comforts needed to grow in tomorrow’s marketplace.”

Leasing company Aviation Capital Group finalized an order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 10 737 MAX 9s in late December 2012, taking the firm orderbook for the 737 MAX family to 1,029 aircraft. The 1,000-aircraft milestone was reached just over a year after the first firm 737 MAX order was placed. Shown in this computer graphic image is a Boeing 737 MAX 9 in ACG house colors

Boeing values ACG’s Boeing 737 MAX order at $6 billion at current list prices and says it illustrates a strong demand for the 737 MAX in the aircraft leasing industry.

Equipped with new LEAP-1B engines from CFM International and improvements such as the Advanced Technology Winglet, the MAX will reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions over equivalent current Boeing 737NG models by 13 per cent, according to Boeing.

Boeing claims the 737 MAX will maintain an 8 per cent operating cost advantage over future competition. However, since today’s 737NGs are recognized by aircraft analysts not to be 8 per cent cheaper to operate than their closest competitors, various analysts have expressed strong doubts about the manufacturer’s 737 MAX claim.

With ACG’s order, the 737 MAX has orders for 1,029 aircraft from airlines and leasing companies worldwide.

“Reaching 1,000 orders in just over a year’s time from our first order validates the exceptional value the 737 MAX offers our customers,” said Bob Feldmann, vice president and general manager, 737 MAX. “Customers are expressing confidence in our ability to deliver improved performance on schedule.”