U.S. aircraft giant Boeing Company said Monday that it delivered the first 737 MAX airplane, leased from the U.S. Air Lease Corporation (ALC), to Russia's largest private air carrier S7 Airlines.
Operated by Globus Airlines, S7 is based at Novosibirsk Tolmachevo International Airport in Ob, about 17 km west of Russia's third most populous city of Novosibirsk. The airline will become the first Russian air carrier to fly the improved model of 737-family airplane.
Boeing said S7 plans to take 10 more 737 MAX jets over the next few years as part of its strategic plan to strengthen its airplane fleet. The Russian private air carrier will launch the 737 MAX on its first domestic flights to Moscow and Chita this week.
"The new Boeing 737MAX that we received today from our partners at Air Lease Corporation offers even more passenger comfort, reduced noise level and lower environmental impact," said Vadim Klebanov, general director of Globus Airlines, which operates flights under the S7 Airlines brand on a route network covering cities across Russia, and Europe.
Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing at Boeing, said the 737 MAX will be seamlessly integrated in the S7 Airlines' strategy of delivering exceptional performance and value.
Powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines, the 737 MAX jet features a two-class cabin layout with about 130 to 230 seats and the ability to fly up to 7,130 kilometers.
ALC Executive Vice President Alex Khatibi said the arrival of the 737 MAX aircraft will help S7 strengthen its position as a highly competitive Russian airline operating the most modern and fuel-efficient fleet in the country.
S7 is also the second largest airline in the Russian market with a fleet of 88 aircraft including Boeing and Airbus jets.
