Boeing looks set to win a small victory over its long-time rival Airbus by securing an order for 15 Boeing 737 MAXs. The order is rumored to be imminently coming from the Hong Kong air carrier Greater Bay Airlines. While an order for 15 planes is nothing remarkable, it will set Boeing up as a long-term partner with the airline, which will need to order additional aircraft in coming years.

Seizable order

According to Bloomberg, the airline is looking to select the Boeing 737-9 as the foundation of its operations. It will benefit from the type due to its exceptional efficiency, with a 20% lower fuel burn and an equivalent reduction in carbon emissions. This will also help the airline reduce operating costs, enabling it to operate with higher profit margins, allowing it to reinvest and grow its operations.

Boeing 737 MAX 9
Photo: Boeing

If the order goes ahead, the 200-seat aircraft will be delivered to the airline over the next several years, with the first deliveries beginning in mid-2024. The airplanes are worth an estimated $52.3 million each, bringing the total cost of the order to roughly $785 million at published prices.

MAX victory

If the decision to order 15 737-9s does indeed transpire, it will be a significant win for Boeing. The airline was reportedly weiging its options between the MAX family and the Airbus A320neo family of jets, although as the airline already operates 737s, Boeing would be the practical choice. Initially, Greater Bay was thought to be interested in the MAX 10, but given the delays with the certification of the jet, it is thought the airline will opt to purchase the MAX 9 as delivery times are more predictable, and the aircraft will likely arrive sooner.

Boeing 737 MAX 10
Photo: Tom Boon | Simple Flying

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Expanding operations

New airplanes will enable the airline to begin expanding its operations throughout the next decade. The airline launched its first flight this past July, making it one of the youngest airlines in operation. It currently operates a fleet of Boeing 737s and services four Asian destinations from its hub at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).

Greater Bay Airlines Boeing 737
Photo: Omid Behzadpour | Shutterstock

Having new efficient airliners will dramatically expand its capacity while increasing its profit margins allowing it to acquire sufficient capital to further its expansion plans. As additional planes arrive, the airline will look to add new routes to its network. Should demand continue to grow as predicted and the 737-9 perform well in its assigned role for the airline, Greater Bay Airlines could well order additional MAXs in the future.

The airline intends to challenge existing carriers, such as Cathay Pacific, for a significant share of the air transit market. To do this, it will need to grow quickly and efficiently, making the 737-9 an excellent choice.

What do you think of this potential order? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: Bloomberg

  • 787-8 Dreamliner
    Boeing
    Stock Code:
    BA
    Date Founded:
    1916-07-15
    CEO:
    Dave Calhoun
    Headquarters Location:
    Chicago, USA
    Key Product Lines:
    Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787
    Business Type:
    Planemaker