Aviation Biz: Jet to buy 75 more 737 Max airplanes from Boeing for 8.8bn dollars

The two companies inked the pact at the ongoing Farnborough International Airshow, which kick-started in southwest of London yesterday, ac-cording to a joint release.

In 2015, the airline had ordered 75 such planes. Earlier this year, it decided to buy 75 more aircraft of the same model.

“Boeing and Jet Airways confirmed that the Indian carrier placed an order for an additional 75 737 MAX 8 airplanes during a signing ceremony at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow. The order is valued at USD 8.8 billion at current list prices,” the release said.

With this, the full-service carrier will now acquire a total of 225 Boeing 737 Max planes over a period as it eyes expansion in the fast-growing domestic aviation market.

According to industry data, domestic air traffic in India has grown by almost 20 per cent per annum in the last four years.

“The order emphasises Jet Airways’ commitment to the growth and potential of the Indian aviation market,” said Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal. 

In June, the Mumbai-based carrier took delivery of its first Max and at present it has two 737 Max planes. It plans to induct a total of 11 such planes in the fleet by March next year.

The second largest airline by domestic market share, Jet Airways has around 120 aircraft in its fleet to serve more than 60 destinations in 15 countries across Asia, Europe and North America. 

European aviation major Airbus on Tuesday announced the appointment of Ashish Saraf as the head of its helicopter division in India. Saraf, whose appointment is effective from July 1, took over from Xavier Hay, who leaves India after six years to take over new responsibilities, the company said in a release.

Since 2015, Saraf had been serving as the VP, industry development, strategic partnerships and offsets at Airbus India, focusing on ‘Make in India’ initiatives aimed at enhancing the company’s industrial footprint, it added.

European regional jet maker ATR on Tuesday delivered the 1,000th twin-engine turboprop ATR-72 plane, amid growing demand for the smaller aircraft particularly in the emerging markets including India.

The 1,000th ATR-72 plane was delivered to India’s largest carrier by domestic market share IndiGo, Franco-Italian aircraft manufacturer said in a release.

“We are proud of delivering the 1,000th ATR-72 aircraft, as it underlines the many advantages it provides to airlines when it comes to ensuring essential connectivity and exploring new business opportunities,” said Christian Scherer, CEO, ATR. IndiGo has already inducted 10 ATR-72s in its fleet.