Boeing and Airbus bag late deals at Dubai Airshow

Boeing and Kazakhstan-based SCAT Airlines announced an order for six 737 MAX 8s valued at US$674 million at current list prices on the final day of the 2017 Dubai Airshow.

The agreement also includes purchase rights for an additional five 737 MAX 8s.

“The 737 MAX 8 fits our network strategy as we expand our network to include destinations in Europe, Russia and the Far East,” said Valdimir Denssov, the president of SCAT Airlines.

“The reliability and low operating costs of the airplane as well as the passenger experience were the main factors in selecting the 737 MAX.”

SCAT Airlines currently operates a fleet of 737s, 757s and 767s.

“We value our partnership with SCAT Airlines and their ongoing confidence in Boeing products,” said Marty Bentrott, the vice president of sales, Middle East, Turkey, Russia Central Asia and Africa, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“We look forward to supporting their expansion plans and continuing to play an integral role in their long-term success.”

The 737 MAX family is said to offer greater flexibility, reliability and efficiency in the single-aisle market, with an estimated 8 per cent lower operating costs than its competitor.

The 737 MAX has surpassed 4,000 total orders to date. The MAX family incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, advanced technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

Also at the airshow, Air Sénégal, the national carrier of Senegal, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for two A330neo aircraft as the airline looks to boost growth and business expansion in the future.