Fiji Airways opts for new Boeing 737 MAX planes

Fiji Airways has opted for five Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes to replace its existing narrow-body fleet. The airline currently operates five earlier model Boeing 737s on its short and medium-haul network to destinations including New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu. The first two of the five new B737 MAX 8 aircraft will arrive in 2018, and the remaining three will arrive the following year. The announcement today was made jointly in the Fijian capital, Suva, by Fiji Airways and the Fijian Government, the airline's majority shareholder. Fiji Airways CE Andre Viljoen said the improved operating economics and product enhancements were "compelling reasons" to consider renewing the current Boeing 737 aircraft. It was a major capital decision and the airline had achieved a ground-breaking package deal, Viljoen said. The deal secured with Boeing, leasing company GE Capital Aviation Services and engine manufacturers CFM International included a 12-year sale and leaseback financing arrangement. The aircraft have 170 seats and will have a two-class configuration - business and economy.<br/>