Chicargo, Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced today an order by United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) and its wholly owned subsidiary, United Air Lines, Inc., for 150 737 airplanes, including 100 of the new 737 MAX 9. The deal, worth $14.7 billion at list prices, also includes 50 Next Generation 737-900ERs (Extended-Range).
Both variants ordered by the United Air Lines have a seating configuration of 180 passengers and feature the new Boeing Sky Interior. The 737 MAX is powered by new LEAP-1B engines from CFM International
Jeff Smisek, United's president and chief executive officer said, "This order is a major step in building the world's leading airline, and we look forward to offering our customers the modern features and reliability of new Boeing airplanes, while also making our fleet more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.
"New aircraft deliveries support our flexible fleet plan, permitting us to tailor future capacity up or down, based on changes in demand or other market conditions."
United is the North American launch customer for the 737 MAX 9. The 737 MAX, has more than 1,200 orders and commitments from 18 customers.
Ray Conner, Boeing Commercial Airplanes' president and chief executive officer added, "United and Boeing share a rich history together and we are delighted United has chosen the 737 for its future fleet, renewing our partnership for decades to come.
"We believe the 737 provides unsurpassed quality and value in the market and will provide efficiencies and other benefits to United's operations."
Beverly Wyse, Boeing's vice president and general manager of the 737 program, commented, "To witness the first commercial airplane to surpass 10,000 orders is monumental.
"The 737 has continuously evolved and provides improved performance, reliability and exceptional value for our customers."
