Kuwait’s ALAFCO finalises order for 20 Boeing 737-8 MAXs

Kuwait-based Aviation Lease and Finance company (ALAFCO) on Monday announced it was exercising options for 20 Boeing 737-8 MAX jets at the Dubai Airshow.

The planes, worth $2.2bn at current list prices, will boost the company’s order first announced at the Paris Airshow to 40 737 MAXs in total.

“As a lessor, we are committed to provide our global customer base with technologically-advanced aircraft,” said Ahmad Alzabin, CEO and vice-chairman, ALAFCO.

“Fuel efficiency, operational reliability and efficiency are key factors for our airline customers and the 737 MAX will help us meet those demands in the single-aisle market.”

Delivery of the planes will begin from 2020.

Boeing is currently leading the race for aircraft sales at the Dubai event having announced a $15.1bn order for 40 787s with local carrier Emirates on Sunday.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates announces $15.1bn order for Boeing 787s

Rival Airbus is also in talks to sell more of its A380s superjumbos to Emirates, but issues regarding the production output for the plane have so far prevented a deal.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates wants guarantee on A380 output before placing new order