International Consolidated Airlines (IAG) surprised attendees of the Paris Air Show when it announced that it intends to order 200 Boeing 737 Max aircraft – the model which has been grounded since March after two fatal crashes owing to a flaw in the plane’s software killed 346 passengers – in a deal said to be worth around $24bn (£19bn).
Boeing has spent recent months working to repair both the affected planes and the company’s reputation. Management has considered rebranding the particular model of aircraft in an effort to move on from the crisis and restore travellers’ faith in its planes. The purchase from IAG, which will include both 737 Max models 8 and 10, is the first since the aircraft were grounded by the Federal Aviation Authority and the European Union Aviation Safety authority. The planes are expected to be delivered between 2023 and 2027. IAG said it had secured a "substantial discount" from the list price of the planes.
A spokesperson from IAG said “We have every confidence that Boeing will resolve the issues with the aircraft. It is undergoing intense scrutiny from both the manufacturer and regulators before it is certified to operate again.” As part of the announcement, IAG chief executive Willie Walsh said he has “every confidence in Boeing” and expects that the aircraft “will make a successful return to service in the coming months” once it receives approval from regulators.
In a separate announcement, IAG announced it would also order 14 Airbus A321XLR, with options to buy another 14 more, and an expected delivery date around 2023.
