Boeing, Lion Air finalize record-breaking 737 order

Boeing and Jakarta-based Lion Air Monday finalized a firm order for 201 737 MAXs and 29 Next-Generation 737-900ERs, according to the Boeing Co.

Boeing and Jakarta-based Lion Air Monday finalized a firm order for 201 737 MAXs and 29 Next-Generation 737-900ERs, according to the Boeing Co.

The agreement announced last November also includes purchase rights for an additional 150 airplanes.

“The 737 MAX is the best choice for Lion Air and the best airplane to serve our passengers,” said Rusdi Kirana, Lion Air founder and president. “We’re excited to be the first airline in Asia to fly the 737 MAX and to be the global launch customer of the 737 MAX 9.”

With orders for 230 airplanes valued at $22.4 billion at list prices, this deal is the largest commercial airplane order ever in Boeing’s history by both dollar value and total number of airplanes. Lion Air will also acquire purchase rights for an additional 150 airplanes.

“Lion Air has been a leader in Indonesia from the very beginning,” said Dinesh Keskar, vice president of Asia-Pacific and India Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Today more people are flying in Asia at lower fares because of the 737 and this historic 737 MAX order will help connect more people in the future.”

Lion Air, Indonesia’s largest private airline, operates or has on order a total of 178 Next-Generation 737s.