SEATTLE, 19 Nov. 2011. Aviation Capital Group (ACG) officials in Newport Beach, Calif., have committed to 35 Boeing (NYSE:BA) 737 MAX airplanes and a firm order for 20 Next-Generation 737-800s. With this agreement, ACG becomes the first airplane leasing company to commit to the 737 MAX, which is powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines offering a 7 percent operating cost advantage, fuel efficiency, and increased range over competitors.
"The 737 is one of the prime building blocks of our portfolio strategy," explains R. Stephen Hannahs, group managing director and chief executive officer of ACG. "These new 737NG and 737 MAX airplanes will continue our long-standing strategy of providing our customers the most fuel efficient, most capable airplanes with the lowest operating costs." The Next-Generation 737-800 can seat up to 189 passengers, can fly 260 nautical miles farther, and consume 6 percent less fuel while carrying 12 more passengers than the competing model, says a Boeing representative.
“This commitment will provide ACG with airplanes featuring performance improvements and the innovative Boeing Sky Interior that will keep its airplanes at the leading edge of passenger comfort, efficient operations and reduced fuel consumption," says Ray Conner, senior vice president of sales and customer support for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
ACG has ordered or committed to a total of 151 Boeing airplanes made up of 111 Next-Generation 737s, thirty-five 737 MAXs, and five 787 Dreamliners. This includes 15 Next-Generation 737s for which ACG acquired delivery positions from another airline in 2006.
