Diverse investment firm 777 Partners is adding up to 66 Boeing 737 Max 8 jets to its aviation portfolio, including the high-density Max 8-200.
The companies disclosed the agreement during an event at the Farnborough air show on 19 July.
Based in Miami, the investment company is already a strong customer for the Max, the latest agreement being its fifth for the type. The new agreement, which includes a firm order for 30 Max 8-200s, will take its backlog for the Max to as many as 134 aircraft.
“We are excited about the possibilities the Max aircraft provide our growing group of carriers to facilitate and democratise low-cost travel around the globe while respecting our commitment to sustainable flying,” says 777 Partners’ managing partner Josh Wander.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief Stan Deal, speaking at the Farnborough event, the investment company “stuck with us through a very difficult time”.
“777 Partners has had tremendous success establishing new carriers worldwide with the [Max 8], and the [Max 8-200] will allow for continued growth as an even more efficient addition to its portfolio,” he adds.
All 737 Max jets are powered by CFM International Leap-1B engines.
777 Partners is involved in a wide range of business interests, including insurance, finance, litigation, and media.
Its aviation portfolio includes the new Australian start-up carrier Bonza, which is aiming to commence services this year.
Bonza will operate in the budget sector and specialise in regional tourism. The carrier intends to start flights with 737 Max jets.
777 Partners also has investment interests in Canadian low-cost operator Flair Airlines, based in Edmonton.
It has supplied a number of aircraft to Flair, whose operation includes Max 8s.
