Allegiant Air and Boeing signed an agreement to purchase 50 737 MAX jets and another 50 purchase options on Wednesday. The announcement, which was already expected, puts an end to the exclusive fleet of Airbus aircraft that the company currently operates.
The Las Vegas-based low-cost carrier selected the types MAX 7, the smallest capacity, and MAX 8-200, the high density. Boeing’s new planes will retire part of the 108 A319s and A320s aircraft, but will also expand the airline’s capacity.
“While the heart of our strategy to continue to center on a previously-owned aircraft, the infusion of up to 100 direct-from-the-manufacturer 737s will bring numerous benefits for the future – including flexibility for capacity growth and aircraft retirements, significant environmental benefits , and modern configuration and cabin features our customers will appreciate,” said Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., Allegiant chairman and CEO.
“We are thrilled that Allegiant has selected Boeing and the 737 MAX as they position themselves for future growth, improved efficiency and operational cost performance.” said Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO.
The 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets will be delivered between 2023 and 2025, reported Allegiant Air, which estimates it will expand its annual capacity by 10%. The chosen engines are the Leap 1-B, supplied by CFM.
The deal announced early in 2022 is a relief for Boeing after the loss of two key Airbus bids, with Qantas and KLM.
