Aeromexico and Boeing Corp. announced Wednesday that the largest airline in Mexico will purchase 100 airliners in a nearly $11 billion purchase aimed at fueling the airline’s expansion plans.
“This order represents the largest investment program for a domestic airline in Mexican commercial aviation history and a major step forward in consolidating Grupo Aeromexico’s international leadership position,” said Grupo Aeromexico Chief Executive Officer Andres Conesa. “We are announcing our medium and long-term fleet plan supported by our partners, Boeing and General Electric that will allow us to maintain a flexible structure to grow according to market conditions.”
The purchase commitment includes 90 737-8 and 737-9 “MAX” aircraft and 10 787 “Dreamliners” totaling $10.8 billion.
“Aeromexico has earned its place as Mexico’s leading airline with a commitment to performance. We are pleased to build on our 50-year partnership with Aeromexico and provide the most fuel-efficient fleet in Mexico,” said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737 MAX and the 787 Dreamliner provide unmatched passenger comfort and fuel efficiency allowing Aeromexico to expand their fleet, open new routes and serve new long-range markets – continuing their legacy of airline leadership.”
The 737 MAX program was announced in 2011 and features strengthened nose landing gear, LEAP-1B engines, and fly-by-wire controls. It is expected to start shipping in 2017. Southwest Airlines will be the variant’s first operator.
The 787 a long-range mid-size airliner with about 850 models on order for 58 customers, according to Boeing.
Aeroméxico operates an all-Boeing fleet for airplanes larger than 100 seats.