Israeli carrier El Al has agreed to purchase up to 31 Boeing 737 Max aircraft in a deal valued at up to $2.5 billion.
The airline said that the deal was the largest procurement contract in El Al¡¯s history and includes buying 20 aircraft with options for 11 more 737 Max planes. The latest contract follows El Al¡¯s recent agreement to purchase up to nine additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
El Al plans to use the new aircraft to replace the carrier¡¯s current fleet of narrowbody Boeing 737-800s and 737-900s, with deliveries expected to start in 2028. The deal will also enable El Al to integrate new technologies and boost seat capacity.
The carrier added that this move was ¡°designed to upgrade the service and flight experience, while prioritising environmental sustainability in line with current global ESG standards¡±.
The Boeing 737 Max reduces fuel use and emissions compared to older aircraft. It is also quieter than the planes it will be replacing.