Boeing and Airbus bag late deals at Dubai Airshow

Boeing and Kazakhstan-based SCAT Airlines announced an order for six 737 MAX 8s valued at US$674 million at current list prices on the final day of the 2017 Dubai Airshow.

The agreement also includes purchase rights for an additional five 737 MAX 8s.

“The 737 MAX 8 fits our network strategy as we expand our network to include destinations in Europe, Russia and the Far East,” said Valdimir Denssov, the president of SCAT Airlines. “The reliability and low operating costs of the airplane as well as the passenger experience were the main factors in selecting the 737 MAX.”

SCAT Airlines currently operates a fleet of 737s, 757s and 767s.

“We value our partnership with SCAT Airlines and their ongoing confidence in Boeing products,” said Marty Bentrott, the vice president of sales, Middle East, Turkey, Russia Central Asia and Africa, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We look forward to supporting their expansion plans and continuing to play an integral role in their long-term success.”

Also at the airshow, Air Sénégal, the national carrier of Senegal, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for two A330neo aircraft as the airline looks to boost growth and business expansion in the future.

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The agreement makes Air Sénégal the first airline in Africa to select the A330neo.

Air Senegal will launch operations in 2018, the airline plans to use the A330neo to develop its medium and long-haul network with the aircraft offering cutting-edge technology along with more efficient operations, the carrier said.

“Aviation is a catalyst for economic development and this purchase demonstrates Senegal’s ambitions for economic growth in line with the country’s strategy to accelerate progress towards emergence [Plan Emerging Senegal]," said Philippe Bohn, the chief executive of Air Sénégal. "The A330neo has proven itself to be the right aircraft, combining low operating costs, long range flying capability and high levels of comfort. We are looking forward to launch operations and offer our customers best-in-class service.”

John Leahy, the chief operating officer for customers, at Airbus Commercial Aircraft, added: "We are very pleased to welcome Air Sénégal among our A330neo customers. The A330neo offers the latest in fuel saving technologies combined with best-in-class comfort, reliability and operational efficiency. The A330 is the ideal choice for Air Sénégal to build its network and become West Africa’s fastest growing airline,’’ said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft.