Pure Boeing customer EL AL Israel Airlines has just placed its largest aircraft order to date, choosing the 737 MAX to replace its 737NG fleet.
Apart from low-cost carriers that fly a single aircraft type, there are very few airlines that are truly loyal to either Boeing or Airbus. EL AL is one such airline, whose fleet consists entirely of Boeing aircraft, including narrow-body 737s and wide-body 777 and 787s.
The Israeli carrier has two 737 variants: the 737-800 and the 737-900ER. The 17 737-800s are on average just over 20 years old, while the eight 737-900ERs are on average just under 10 years old. A year ago, there were talks that the airline might replace its 737s with Airbus jets. But earlier this week, EL AL and Boeing announced that the airline will replace its 737s with the 737 MAX.
EL AL has reportedly placed a firm order for 20 new Boeing 737s and has options for 11 more, making the order the largest EL AL has ever placed in terms of the number of aircraft, with deliveries set to begin in 2028.
EL AL gets the 737 MAX – but which one?
Interestingly, neither EL AL nor Boeing have specified which MAX variant the airline will receive. However, given the size of its existing 737NG fleet AND its age, EL AL will likely begin deliveries of the 737 MAX-8 first.
When the airline finalizes its 11 options, they could be 737 MAX-9s or perhaps MAX-10s, depending on how its fleet grows over time. There are also reports that EL AL could acquire more new 737s from lessors before 2028 if needed.
EL AL had planned this fleet renewal several years ago, but postponed its plans due to the pandemic. The airline also recently ordered additional 787s. Its six Boeing 777-200s are on average over 21 years old, so newer 787-9s should be a suitable replacement.
Dina Ben-Tal Ganancia, CEO of EL AL, said the following about the airline’s new 737 MAX order:
“This is a significant milestone for EL AL, enabling us to provide our customers with the most advanced service and technology experience in the industry. The implementation of the long-term procurement plan, which began with the purchase of additional 787 Dreamliners earlier this year and culminates in the current deal, once again demonstrates our commitment to the Israeli public and state.”
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