Primera Air, an Icelandic owned leisure airline owned by the Primera Travel Group has signed a contract with Boeing for eight 737 MAX 9 airplanes, valued at more than $950 million at list prices. The contract also includes purchase rights for four supplementary 737 MAX 9s and a lease agreement for eight more airplanes from Air Lease Corporation.
The 737 MAX 9 will form the backbone of Primera Air as it seeks to start flights between Europe and North America. Primera Air plans to use the MAX 9’s supplementary fuel tanks to reduce trip costs and maximise the range to accommodate flights connecting Europe to the east coast of the U.S.
“The 737 MAX 9 will allow Primera Air to open up nonstop, long-haul routes from Europe to the U.S. with unmatched economics,” said Andri M. Ingolfsson, president, Primera Air. “This aircraft has a lower per-seat cost than the current wide body aircraft servicing the transatlantic and the capabilities of this aircraft type will change the economics of the industry. This will open up fantastic possibilities for growth for Primera Air in the future.”
“Primera Air’s commitment is a major endorsement of the 737 MAX 9 and its ability to serve new transatlantic markets,” said Monty Oliver, vice president, European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The MAX 9 will provide Primera Air unmatched efficiency, range, reliability and operating costs, while continuing to provide a premium on-board experience for its passengers.”
