Israeli carrier El Al announced on Monday plans to order around 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets to renew its fleet of narrow-body aircraft.
The agreement, estimated at more than US$2 billion, calls for the first 737 MAX to be delivered starting in 2027 and spreading over several years.
El Al is a loyal Boeing customer, operating only its jets. Its fleet currently comprises 16 787 Dreamliner (12 787-9 and four 787-8), six 777-200 and 25 737, eight of which are the 737-900ER version.
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It is, however, the 17 737-800 that will possibly have to be replaced by the 737 MAX at first as they have been in service for an average of 20 years.
Despite the preference for Boeing, El Al stated that it had also investigated Airbus and the A321neo.
In a statement, El Al said it is negotiating a direct acquisition with Boeing, but also leasing contracts.
“The schedule for conclusion of negotiations and the signing of an initial offer document with Boeing for the purchase of aircraft is expected to last several weeks,” El Al said.