Eastar Jet has become the first airline in Korea to
operate the Boeing 737 MAX.
In Eastar Jet's configuration, the MAX 8
will be able to fly more that 3,100 nautical miles (5,740
kilometers) - 500 nautical miles farther than the previous 737
models - while providing 14 percent better fuel efficiency. The
aircraft is powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines.
"We are excited to take delivery of this brand
new 737 MAX airplane," said Jong-Gu Choi, President of Eastar Jet.
"The introduction of the 737 MAX into our fleet reflects the
efforts we are making to modernize our product offering and
provide a world-class experience to our customers. In addition,
the superior economics and longer-range capability of the 737 MAX
will enable us to expand our network into new and existing markets
more efficiently, which will help us achieve long-term growth."
Based at Gimpo and Incheon International Airport in Seoul,
South Korea, Eastar Jet launched operations in 2007 with Next-Generation 737s.
Since then, Korea's low-cost carrier market has grown
significantly and has become the largest LCC market in Northeast
Asia. Over the past five years, the market segment has grown more
than 30 percent annually. Based on this growth and the
introduction of the 737 MAX 8 to its fleet, Eastar Jet will be
able to expand into new markets such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur
among other future destinations.
"Eastar
Jet has achieved impressive growth flying the Boeing 737. With the
new 737 MAX, the airline will be able to take their performance to
the next level. They can fly farther, lower their operating costs,
and provide an even better experience for their passengers," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales &
Marketing for The Boeing Company. "We are proud of our partnership
with Eastar Jet and we are excited to see them leverage the MAX to
compete in one of the world's most dynamic aviation markets."
Eastar Jet will take delivery of a second 737
MAX 8 airplane later this month.
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