LA BORGUET, France (Reuters) – Boeing launched a new version of its 737 MAX jetliner as French President Emmanuel Macron opened the Paris Airshow on Monday (June 19).
The U.S. planemaker said it had more than 240 orders and commitments from at least 10 customers for the new 737 MAX 10, which would carry up to 230 people in a single-class configuration, Boeing Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg told a presentation ceremony.
Analysts say the fifth member of the 737 MAX family aims to plug a gap in Boeing’s portfolio at the top end of the market for single-aisle jets following runaway sales of Airbus’ A321neo, which can seat up to 240 people.
The June 19-25 gathering takes place against the backdrop of surprisingly strong airline traffic driven by economic growth, but a steep drop in the appetite for new planes following robust demand for the latest fuel-efficient models in recent years.
