Tag Archives: Boeing 737-8 MAX 8

Swoop to add Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 aircraft, will expand domestic network

Swoop has announced it will grow its fleet from 10 to 16 aircraft with the acquisition of six new Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 aircraft. Canada’s fast growing ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) confirmed it will begin receiving all six aircraft this summer as the airline rapidly expands to meet peak season travel demand.

Alongside this fleet growth, Swoop will significantly expand its domestic network, adding non-stop flights to Newfoundland and increasing service in Atlantic Canada. The ULCC will also add six new routes and capacity in Ontario and the Prairies in preparation for Canada’s busy summer travel season. The airline’s announced expansion comes as Swoop reports significantly increased passenger numbers and record bookings domestically.

Today’s announced expansion will bring the ULCC’s total non-stop domestic routes served to 37 this summer and includes a significant investment in Atlantic Canada.

Significant Expansion and Investment in Atlantic Canada

Swoop’s investments in Atlantic Canada will see the airline begin service at three new destinations while increasing capacity across the region by 273 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Deer Lake – Hamilton, 2x weekly (May 21)
St. John’s – Hamilton, 5x weekly (June 13)
Deer Lake – Toronto, 2x weekly (June 20)

New Brunswick

Moncton – Hamilton – 4x weekly (May 9)
Saint John – Toronto – 4x weekly (May 12)
Moncton – Edmonton – 2x weekly (May 9)

Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown – Hamilton – 4x weekly (May 1)
Charlottetown – Toronto – 3x weekly (May 2)
Charlottetown – Edmonton – 2x weekly (May 1)

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax – Edmonton – 5x weekly (May 1)
Halifax – Ottawa – Daily (June 19)

Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan to benefit from increased domestic capacity

Today’s network expansion announcement also includes new routes and increased frequencies in previously announced new stations: Ottawa, Saskatoon and Regina.

Ontario

Ottawa – Winnipeg – 4x weekly (June 19)
Winnipeg – Toronto – Daily (June 20)

Saskatchewan

Saskatoon – Winnipeg – 2x weekly (June 14)
Saskatoon – Toronto – 2x weekly (June 22)
Regina – Winnipeg – 2x weekly (June 16)
Regina – Toronto – 2x weekly (June 22)

Demand for affordable travel equates to record new bookings and job opportunities across Canada

Throughout the pandemic the ULCC model has proven especially resilient, with Swoop carrying around one million travelers in 2021. Despite ongoing travel restrictions Swoop saw strong demand for both domestic and international travel over the peak holiday period, a trend that has continued into the new year. The airline further demonstrated operational resilience, ranking amongst the most reliable airlines in Canada/North America, with a flight completion rate of 99.4 per cent and on-time arrival of 78 per cent in 2021.

In preparation of the airline’s fleet growth and network expansion, Swoop is ramping up staffing across Canada, creating jobs to support economic recovery and stimulating hospitality and tourism sectors from coast-to-coast.

Expanded Route Map:

Full Details of Swoop’s New Domestic Routes

Route	Peak Weekly Frequency	Start Date	Total one- way fare (CAD) ^†	Base Fare (CAD)	Taxes and Fees (CAD)
Hamilton to Charlottetown	4x weekly	May 1, 2022	$49.00	$1.29	$47.71
Edmonton to Halifax	5x weekly	May 1, 2022	$179.00	$118.40	$60.60
Toronto to Charlottetown	3x weekly	May 2, 2022	$59.00	$5.14	$53.86
Hamilton to Moncton	4x weekly	May 9, 2022	$79.00	$27.84	$51.16
Toronto to Saint John	4x weekly	May 12, 2022	$59.00	$5.14	$53.86
Hamilton to Deer Lake	2x weekly	May 21, 2022	$59.00	$9.23	$49.77
Hamilton to St. John’s	5x weekly	June 13, 2022	$99.00	$45.54	$53.46
Winnipeg to Saskatoon	2x weekly	June 14, 2022	$59.00	$3.12	$55.88
Winnipeg to Regina	2x weekly	June 16, 2022	$59.00	$3.12	$55.88
Winnipeg to Ottawa	4x weekly	June 19, 2022	$65.00	$6.83	$58.17
Halifax to Ottawa	Daily	June 19, 2022	$60.00	$0.10	$59.90
Edmonton to Charlottetown	2x weekly	June 19, 2022	$179.00	$118.40	$60.60
Toronto to Deer Lake	2x weekly	June 20, 2022	$99.00	$40.54	$58.46
Toronto to Winnipeg	Daily	June 20, 2022	$69.00	$13.99	$55.01
Edmonton to Moncton	2x weekly	June 20, 2022	$179.00	$118.40	$60.60
Toronto to Regina	2x weekly	June 22, 2022	$59.00	$19.12	$39.88
Toronto to Saskatoon	2x weekly	June 22, 2022	$69.00	$25.64	$43.36

†Special introductory fares are limited quantity. Book by February 23, 2022 for travel between June 1 and July 15, 2022.

It's never too early to start planning your summer adventures and #AtlanticCanada is now closer than ever! ☀️🗺

Now introducing service to Moncton, Saint John, Charlottetown, Deer Lake and St. John's. Book today at https://t.co/hfyjz7PsHp for the summer-time of your life. ✈️ ☀️ pic.twitter.com/ya14B9NMVj

— FlySwoop (@FlySwoop) February 9, 2022

SmartLynx Airlines to become a new Boeing 737 MAX operator

SmartLynx Airlines has announced it will become a Boeing customer again:

The beginning of 2022 marks a significant milestone in SmartLynx Airlines’ expansion. The leading ACMI and charter operator has signed an agreement with SMBC Aviation Capital to lease two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to meet growing demand from European and overseas markets. This deal launches a successful partnership between the airline and one of the biggest global lessors, with deliveries of the aircraft to SmartLynx Airlines already being underway.

Such strategic expansion into the Boeing aircraft family will allow SmartLynx Airlines to build a reliable fleet that will ensure the provision of even greater and more versatile products and services. Additionally, the longer range of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 opens new market opportunities for SmartLynx Airlines and its customers.

SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the world’s leading aircraft operating lease companies and will be the first lessor to support SmartLynx with 737 MAX 8 type aircraft.

The first two 737 MAX 8 units will be introduced to the SmartLynx fleet in April, with further type additions planned later in the Summer, 2022. To ensure successful deliveries, SmartLynx has also entered into a partnership with Boeing, which will support airline throughout the whole entry into the service process.

The 737 MAX 8 will be the first returning Boeing aircraft to be operated by SmartLynx Airlines after a decade long break.

A recruitment campaign has already been launched to source suitably qualified crews for the newly leased aircraft.

Photo: Icelandair Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 TF-ICE (msn 44353) CDG (Manuel Negrerie). Image: 956717.

American to acquire 23 additional Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 aircraft, defers 787-9 deliveries

American Airlines is adjusting its fleet plans as markets recover from COVID-19.

The airline has agreed to to convert 23 Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 purchase options into firm options.

AA is also deferring Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner deliveries due to the slower recovery of foreign travel according to the filing below.

Deliveries of the 787s will now begin in the fourth quarter of 2023 and will continue into 2027, with four 787-9 aircraft now scheduled for delivery in 2023.

American Airlines issued this filing:

On January 31, 2022, American Airlines, Inc. (American), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group Inc. (the Company), entered into an amendment to that certain Purchase Agreement No. 03735, dated as of February 1, 2013, with The Boeing Company (Boeing), pursuant to which American has agreed to purchase a total of 23 additional 737 MAX 8 aircraft through the conversion of existing purchase options. In addition, American intends to convert a further seven of its purchase options in 2022, bringing its firm order of additional 737 MAX 8 aircraft to 30, with 15 of such aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2023 and 15 scheduled for delivery in 2024.

Additionally, on January 31, 2022, American entered into an amendment to that certain Purchase Agreement No. 3219, dated as of October 15, 2008, with Boeing, pursuant to which American and Boeing agreed to defer the delivery of certain 787-9 aircraft previously scheduled for delivery beginning in January 2023. Pursuant to this amendment, deliveries of these 787-9 aircraft will commence in the fourth quarter of 2023 and will continue into 2027, with four 787-9 aircraft now scheduled for delivery in 2023.

The delivery schedules presented herein represent our best estimates as of the date of this report. Actual delivery dates are subject to change based on various potential factors including production delays by the manufacturer.

Top Copyright Photo: American Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 N310RF (msn 44451) JFK (Fred Freketic). Image: 956674.

American Airlines aircraft slide show:

American Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

The first Boeing 737-8 is painted for Lynx Air

Lynx Air’s first painted Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 (C-GJSL) has come out of the paint shop at Boeing pending delivery.

Lynx Air was launched on November 16, 2021, with plans to begin flying low-fare flights in the first quarter of 2022.

The airline has commitments for up to 46 Boeing 737-8 MAX 8s, with deliveries starting in February 2022.

Top Copyright Photo: Lynx Air (Canada) Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-GJSL (msn 43312) BFI (Joe G. Walker). Image: 956583.

Caribbean Airlines places its new Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 into service

Caribbean Airlines put its first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 into service on January 15, 2022.

The inaugural flight was operated between Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Kingston, Jamaica.

The aircraft, 9Y-CAL, was delivered on November 17, 2021.

Caribbean Airlines’ CEO, Garvin Medera, said this on the special flight:

“The introduction of this new aircraft into service, represents Caribbean Airlines’ initiative to ‘REset Expectations’ for 2022. The 737-8 is the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world and it brings a range of benefits for Caribbean Airlines, our customers, and the environment. Fuel and maintenance costs are lower, each plane has 10 more seats than its predecessor with a total of 160 seats and the aircraft offers state-of-the-art technology and an upgraded level of comfort in both the business class and economy cabin, including in seat power for mobile devices, a new sky interior, sleek modern seats and much more.”

“We’re really excited about the plans and improvements for the coming year, all done with you in mind. Be sure to stay informed via our social media channels and follow us on #REcalibrate as we REset Expectations in 2022.”

Something new is coming to REset Expectations for your upcoming flights. Can you guess what it is?#REcalibrated #iflycaribbean pic.twitter.com/BrqSKKWqhf

— Caribbean Airlines (@iflycaribbean) January 13, 2022

It’s official! Welcome Boeing 737-8 ✈️🎉#REcalibrated #iflycaribbean pic.twitter.com/UmJxr3hoEj

— Caribbean Airlines (@iflycaribbean) January 14, 2022

Top Copyright Photo: Caribbean Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 N60668 (9Y-CAL) (msn 43385) BFI (Nick Dean). Image: 954501.

Caribbean Airlines aircraft slide show:

Caribbean Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Video:

SunExpress takes delivery of four Boeing 737-8 MAX 8s this month

SunExpress Airlines (Turkey) took delivery of its first four new 189-seat Boeing 737-8 MAX 8s this month.

TC-SMA, TC-SMD, TC-SOI and the pictured TC-SOL were handed over this month.

TC-SOI was the first, leaving Seattle on December 8, 2021.

The airline has 42 total copies on order with deliveries through 2029.

Above Copyright Photo: SunExpress Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 TC-SOL (msn 61203) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 956332.

SunExpress aircraft slide show:

SunExpress aircraft photo gallery:

Flair Airlines is coming to New York City and Chicago from Toronto, expands its MAX fleet

Flair Airlines continues to expand as its fleet grows.

The low-cost carrier is adding two key routes from Toronto (Pearson) in the spring:

Toronto – New York (JFK) route will be added on April 7, 2022.

Toronto – Chicago (O’Hare) route will be added on May 17, 2022.

In other news, the carrier added the Halifax – Orlando route on December 17.

Finally the airline is growing its fleet with this announcement:

Flair Airlines continues its rapid growth with the announcement it intends to lease 14 additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The ultra low-cost carrier’s fleet will grow to 30 aircraft by mid-2023.

Canada’s everyday low-fare airline has 12 aircraft in service and will have 20 aircraft in service by summer 2022. Additional aircraft will arrive in 2023 as Flair more than doubles its current fleet size as part of the airline’s vision to have a fleet of 50 aircraft by 2025.

The new aircraft will support Flair Airlines’ ambitious growth plans. The airline operates service to 32 destinations within Canada and the U.S., with service to Mexico beginning in February 2022. These additional aircraft will allow Flair to provide sustainably low fares to even more destinations. Each aircraft has a passenger capacity of 189 seats in a single class and boasts 14% less fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions than predecessor Boeing 737 models.

Top Copyright Photo: Flair Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-FLKC (msn 61807) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 956051.

Flair Airlines aircraft slide show:

Flair Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

New destination: New York! 🗽 Low fare non-stop flights to #JFK starting in April 2022. Visit https://t.co/FPv39PJpIa and start planning today! pic.twitter.com/jwXSJ7mm3P

— flair airlines (@flairairlines) December 21, 2021

United becomes largest airline to invest in zero-emission engines for regional aircraft

United today became the largest airline to invest in zero-emission, hydrogen-electric engines for regional aircraft, the latest move toward achieving its goal to be 100% green by reducing its GHG emissions 100% by 2050, without relying on traditional carbon offsets.

Through a new equity stake in ZeroAvia, a leading company focused on hydrogen-electric aviation solutions, United expects to buy up to 100 of the company’s new zero-emission, 100% hydrogen-electric engines (ZA2000-RJ). The engine could be retrofit to existing United Express aircraft as early as 2028. One potential use is on United’s unique CRJ-550, the only 50-seat aircraft which offers first class and other premium amenities, making this leading aircraft even better and marking another first for United.

“Hydrogen-electric engines are one of the most promising paths to zero-emission air travel for smaller aircraft, and this investment will keep United out in front on this important emerging technology,” said Scott Kirby, CEO of United. “United continues to look for opportunities to not only advance our own sustainability initiatives but also identify and help technologies and solutions that the entire industry can adopt.”

Hydrogen-electric engines use electricity created by a chemical reaction in a fuel cell to power an electric motor instead of burning fossil fuel. Because no fuel is burned, there are no climate-harming emissions or carbon released into the atmosphere when the engines are operated.

The ZA2000-RJ is expected to be used in pairs as a new power source for existing regional aircraft. Under the agreement with United Airlines Ventures, United will pursue a conditional purchase agreement for 50 ZeroAvia ZA2000-RJ engines, with an option for 50 more, enough for up to 50 twin-engine aircraft which would be operated by United Express partners once they are fully developed and certified by regulators as soon as 2028.

ZeroAvia is accelerating development of its ZA2000 engine and will soon begin ground tests of its ZA600 in a 19-seat aircraft, with the aim of entering commercial service with this smaller engine by 2024. ZeroAvia’s roadmap calls for it to develop hydrogen-electric propulsion for progressively larger aircraft. In September 2020, ZeroAvia completed the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell powered flight of a commercial-grade aircraft. ZeroAvia has already secured experimental certificates for two prototype aircraft from the FAA in the United States and the Civil Aviation Authority in the U.K. and has passed significant flight test milestones.

On December 1, United made aviation history by operating the first passenger flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel, from Chicago to Washington, D.C. The flight showcased the safety of sustainable aviation fuel and the potential for a dramatically reduced carbon footprint for aviation.

Above Copyright Photo: United Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 N77259 (msn 43462) (Connecting the world. Ensuring a better future) IAD (Brian McDonough). Image: 956112.

Earlier this year, United announced a record-setting agreement to purchase sustainable aviation fuel from Alder Fuels and has now committed to purchase more than twice as much of this fuel as the rest of the world’s airlines combined.

These investments and the accomplishments below make United the global aviation leader in supporting technology used to sustainably power commercial aircraft:

United recently agreed to purchase 1.5 billion gallons of SAF from Alder Fuels – enough to fly more than 57 million passengers and is also an investor in Fulcrum BioEnergy, where United has an option to purchase up to 900 million gallons of additional SAF.
In July 2021, United Airlines Ventures (UAV) announced that along with Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Mesa Airlines, it has invested in electric aircraft startup Heart Aerospace. Heart Aerospace is developing the ES-19, a 19-seat electric aircraft that has the potential to fly customers with zero emissions when powered by renewable electricity.
In July 2021, Air Transport World magazine named United its Eco-Airline of the Year for the third time.
In June 2021, as part of its agreement with Boom Supersonic, United announced plans to purchase 15 of Boom’s “Overture” airliners (with an option for 35 more). Slated to carry passengers in 2029, the net-zero aircraft plans to fly on 100% SAF.
In February 2021, United announced an agreement to work with Archer Aviation to accelerate the development and production of their electric aircraft – an urban mobility solution that has the potential to serve as an ‘air taxi,’ giving United customers another opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint before they even board a United flight.
In 2020, United became the first airline to announce a commitment to invest in direct air capture, a carbon capture and sequestration technology. United remains committed to investing in carbon capture and sequestration as a key pathway to achieving its climate goals.
In 2019, United operated the Flight for the Planet, which represented the most-eco-friendly commercial flight of its kind in the history of commercial aviation.
In 2018, United became the first U.S. airline to commit to reducing its GHG emissions, by 50% by 2050. This goal has since been superseded by the airline’s 100% green commitment.
In 2016, United became the first airline globally to use SAF in regular operations on a continuous basis with SAF from World Energy.

United Airlines aircraft slide show:

Norwegian to lease two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft

Norwegian continues to selectively grow its aircraft fleet, and the company is pleased to announce that it has entered into agreement to lease two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Delivery will begin shortly to enable Norwegian to fulfill the announced Summer 2022 flying program with approximately 270 routes.

The lease term for each aircraft is for nine years. The agreement includes ‘power-by-the-hour’ (PBH) arrangements for both the IATA Winter Seasons 2021/22 and 2022/23, giving Norwegian necessary flexibility to manage capacity through the low season.

Finally, Norwegian has the option, under the agreement, to substitute the subject 737 MAX 8 aircraft for new technology narrow-body aircraft from Airbus. The lessor is well reputed and has a longstanding relationship with Norwegian.