GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) on Tuesday signed a commitment to buy 75 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 25 Boeing 737-800s.
The deal marks the the largest order announced so far at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow.
GECAS is one of three aircraft leasing firms to commit to Boeing’s 737 MAX at Farnborough, along with ALAFCO and Air Lease Corporation.
The 737 MAX is an efficiency-focused update to the popular 737 line of narrowbody aircraft with an expected entry into service in 2017.
“The 737 MAX is a perfect complement to our airplane portfolio,” said Norman C.T. Liu, President and CEO of GECAS, in a statement. “These new Next-Generation 737 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.”
Powered by new CFM LEAP-1B engines, Boeing promises a 16 percent improvement in fuel burn compared to current 737s and a 4 percent advantage over the Airbus A320neo. Use of lighter materials and a new winglet design are also expected to improve range and fuel economy.
