Boeing and Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) have announced that the aircraft lessor is enhancing its 737 MAX portfolio with an order for fifteen 737-8 jets. DAE had been investing in the 737 MAX by buying jets from existing customers and leasing them back to the carriers. The new order is DAE's first direct 737 MAX purchase from Boeing as it modernises its portfolio for better economic and environmental performance.
The 737-8 is a member of the 737 MAX family which is designed to offer more fuel efficiency, reliability and flexibility in the single-aisle market. The airplane can fly 3,550 nautical miles – about 600 miles farther than its predecessor – allowing airlines to offer new and more direct routes for passengers. Compared to the airplanes it replaces, the 737-8 also delivers superior efficiency, using 16% less fuel and significantly reducing CO2 emissions and operating costs.
Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer, DAE, said, 'We are delighted to deepen our already strong relationship with Boeing. Including this order, we own and manage 162 Boeing aircraft. An increasing number of global aviation regulators are returning the MAX to the skies. We are confident in the success of these aircraft as domestic and regional air travel are seeing strong signs of recovery.'
The new purchase is DAE's second investment in the 737 MAX in the past year. In the third quarter of 2020, the lessor signed an agreement with American Airlines to purchase and lease back 18 new 737-8 airplanes. Since the agreement, the lessor has delivered 17 of the jets to the US carrier. DAE previously completed a similar purchase-leaseback deal with Brazilian carrier GOL for five 737-8s.
Ihssane Mounir, Senior Vice President, Commercial Sales and Marketing, Boeing, said, 'DAE has been instrumental in helping its customers realise the operating economics and environmental performance of the 737-8. We are delighted that they have come back to add more 737 aircraft to its growth plan as it positions itself for the recovery in commercial passenger traffic. We are honoured by DAE's trust in the 737 family, and we look forward to partnering with them to serve the fleet requirements of airlines around the world.'