Boeing and Air Senegal announced today the West African carrier has committed to order nine 737 MAX airplanes. When final, the 737 MAX order will be the airline’s largest-ever fleet purchase – and first Boeing airplane order since 2004 – as it looks to expand service regionally and internationally.

With the introduction of the 737-8 to its single-aisle fleet, Air Senegal will expand its network in Europe and launch new routes from Dakarto the Middle East and Americas. The 737 MAX will also enable Air Senegal to serve secondary European cities, allowing fliers to save time bypassing major hubs.

The 737-8 can carry up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration or fly up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). Air Senegal will benefit from the airplane’s operational efficiency as it reduces fuel use and emissions 20% and creates a 50% smaller noise footprint compared to the airplanes it replaces.