Boeing and Miami-based private investment firm 777 Partners took another step in their partnership and signed a firm order on Tuesday for 30 Max 8-200s as part of a commitment that covers up to 66 Max 8s in all.
The two companies first spoke at the Farnborough International Airshow in 2019; 777 Partners aspired then to purchase 1,000 airplanes from Boeing in the coming years. This year’s agreement for 66 additional aircraft brings the company's total purchase number to 134.
"777 Partners is leveraging the cost efficiencies of the 737-8 and 737-8-200 for its diverse network of airlines, while also providing an excellent passenger experience and meeting sustainability goals," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "777 Partners has had tremendous success establishing new carriers worldwide with the 737-8, and the 737-8-200 will allow for continued growth as an even more efficient addition to its portfolio."
777 Partners has used the 737 Max to launch a number of low-cost carriers around the world. Its investments include Flair Airlines, Canada's only independent ultra-low-cost carrier, and Bonza Airline, an Australian start-up that plans to launch operations this year.
During the signing, founder and managing partner Josh Wander expressed his enthusiasm about “using the Max platform to enable our capacity to deliver ultra-low-cost airlines to a global community.”