By Angela Charlton / Associated Press
PARIS — Boeing is selling 737 Max planes again.
The company announced at the Paris Air Show on Tuesday that International Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways and other carriers, signed a letter of intent for 200 Boeing 737s.
Boeing said it’s the first sale of the jetliner since the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max in March. Another 737 Max crashed in Indonesia last year. All planes of that newest 737 model are now grounded amid an investigation of problematic software.
The letter of intent is subject to final agreement but is a vote of confidence for Boeing as it struggles to win back trust from airlines, pilots, regulators and the traveling public.
- Related
Airbus launches new A321XLR with 27-plane Air Lease orderJun 17, 2019
Boeing open to changing the name of grounded 737 MaxJun 17, 2019
Can Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg survive the 737 Max crisis?Jun 18, 2019
Biggest state delegation ever is in Paris for air showJun 14, 2019
Engine snag delays first flight of Boeing 777X until fallJun 17, 2019
GAO: Refueling-boom problems could delay KC-46 deliveriesJun 17, 2019
The combination of 737 Max 8 and 737 Max 10 planes would cost $24 billion at list prices, though companies strike deals for discounts. The planes would be delivered between 2023 and 2027 to airlines owned by IAG.
IAG expressed optimism that regulators will allow Max jets to fly again soon. But it’s unclear when that will be, especially for regulators outside the U.S.
The Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air crashes killed 346 people. Boeing executives started off the Paris Air Show on Monday with a sweeping apology to victims’ families and airlines.
Analysts had predicted that Boeing might try to announce some Max orders at the air show to demonstrate that the Renton-built plane — Boeing’s most popular model — still has support.
Boeing depends heavily on the aircraft and has said it is costing at least $1 billion to address problems with the troubled jet. But the company has struggled to get a handle on the Max controversy.
The CEO says Boeing botched communication with regulators and is promising more transparency.
After lackluster sales in recent months, Boeing’s orders have picked up. On Tuesday it announced a deal with Korean Air and Air Lease Corporation for a total of 30 long-range 787 jets, worth $6.3 billion at list prices.
European rival Airbus also announced several orders Tuesday. Before announcing the Boeing Max deal, industry powerhouse IAG signed a firm order with Airbus for new A321XLR long-range jets, for its airlines Aer Lingus and Iberia.
Airbus also reported sales to Delta Air Lines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Atlantic Airways, and announced a feasibility study for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft that could shuttle visitors to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Both Airbus and Boeing face a slowing economy that tempered the mood at the air show.
The companies, along with other manufacturers, came together Tuesday to promise more investment in reducing aviation emissions, even as global air travel is expected to rise significantly in the decades to come.
Plane makers are under increased pressure from regulators and passengers concerned about climate-damaging emissions. They are looking at hybrid, electric or hydrogen technology to eventually replace existing fuel.
David Koenig in Chicago contributed.
Talk to us
- You can tell us about news and ask us about our journalism by emailing newstips@heraldnet.com or by calling 425-339-3428.
- If you have an opinion you wish to share for publication, send a letter to the editor to letters@heraldnet.com or by regular mail to The Daily Herald, Letters, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA 98206.
- More contact information is here.