Boeing Co. is nearing a major order from Ryanair Holdings plc for about 150 of its largest 737 Max aircraft, an important endorsement from a key customer that adds crucial sales momentum for the jet intended to counter Airbus SE's popular A 321 neo.
The deal, which is expected to be announced as early as Tuesday, would be for the 737 Max 10 model, with the possibility of 50 options, according to sources familiar with the deliberations.
Boeing declined to comment, while Ryanair, a Dublin-based airline, was not immediately available to comment. Reuters reported yesterday that the discount specialist is close to signing a major aircraft order with Boeing for more 737 Max aircraft, citing two unidentified people familiar with the matter.
Ryanair, Boeing's biggest customer in Europe, built its entire fleet of short-haul aircraft around the workhorse model. In late March, Leary said that the airline had resumed talks with Boeing for as many as 200 narrow-body aircraft, with potential delivery slated for the period between 2027 and 2031.
Other airlines that have committed to the 737 Max 10 project include Delta Air Lines Inc. United Airlines Holdings Inc. and British-Airways parent IAG SA. The aircraft competes with Airbus s bestselling A 321 neo, as carriers move closer to the larger versions of the most widely flown narrow-body jets.
Ryanair subsequently increased its ordering for the 737 Max 8 version with a special high-density configuration to a total of 210 aircraft. The airliner has already received about 100 passengers, the airliner said.
The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated global demand for airlines to improve their orders books in the past year, resulting in a surge in travel demand. Ryanair, among other companies, forecasts a summer booking surge, especially on short-haul routes to sunny destinations like Spain or Italy.