It was the only headline grabbing news – Boeing and SpiceJet formalising an order for 42 737 MAX 8s, valued at $4.4 billion at list prices. Deliveries commence in 2018.

“SpiceJet greatly values the ties we have built over the years with Boeing. The Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, the mainstay of the fleet ever since SpiceJet started operations, have vindicated our choice by their endurance, reliability and cost-effectiveness,” said S.L. Narayanan, Group CFO for the Sun Group. “The induction of Boeing 737 MAX will further modernise our fleet, improve customer experience, and ensure that we operate the most efficient fleet well into the future.”

The 737 MAX brings the most advanced engine technologies to the world’s best-selling airplane, building on the strengths of today’s Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

“The order is a tremendous endorsement of the 737 MAX’s unsurpassed fuel efficiency,” said Dinesh Keskar, Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The capabilities of the 737 MAX supports SpiceJet’s mission to become India’s preferred low-cost airline. We are very proud to be partners with SpiceJet and a part of the airline’s continued success with the addition of the 737 MAX.”

Development of the 737 MAX is on schedule with firm configuration of the airplane achieved in July 2013. First flight is scheduled in 2016 with deliveries to customers beginning in 2017. Already a market success, the 737 MAX has accumulated more than 1,800 orders to date and will have 8 per cent lower per-seat operating costs than the future competition.

SpiceJet has ordered 90 airplanes directly from Boeing, which includes the 737-800, 737-900ER and now the 737 MAX. To date, SpiceJet has taken delivery of 31 of the airplanes.

SPICEJET FINALIZES LEAP-1B ENGINE ORDER

SpiceJet said that the 42 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft would be powered by CFM International’s LEAP-1B engines. The engine order is valued at $1.1 billion US at list price.

“We are pleased that SpiceJet has continued to place its trust in CFM,” said Gaël Meheust, Vice President of Sales for CFM International. “We have built a great relationship with this airline over the years and really look forward to introducing the LEAP engine into their fleet.” The LEAP-1B is the sole powerplant for the Boeing 737 MAX, which has garnered orders for more than 1,800 aircraft to date.

The foundation of the LEAP engine is heavily rooted in advanced aerodynamics, environmental, and materials technology development programmes. It will provide 15 per cent better fuel consumption and an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to today’s best CFM engine, along with dramatic reductions in engine noise and emissions. All this technology brings with it CFM’s legendary reliability and low maintenance costs.