Garuda Indonesia is considering a switch of part of its order for Boeing 737 Max 8s to the larger Max 10 variant.
A source close to the details says that the airline is studying the specifications of the Max 10 and how it could fit into its network, but has not formally amended its order.
It follows a recent report by Indonesian outlet bisnis.com, which quoted chief executive Ari Askhara saying that the carrier intends to convert 34 of the 49 Boeing 737 Max 8s it has on order to the larger variant, and was in negotiations to do so.
However, when queried by FlightGlobal, Garuda maintains that it plans to take delivery of the remaining 49 Boeing 737 Max 8s on order between 2020 to 2024.
Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that it has one 737 Max 8 in its fleet, MSN 62093, which was delivered in 2017 before the carrier deferred its remaining Max deliveries due to financial challenges, and a desire to ramp up the utilisation of its existing fleet.
If the variant switch takes place, Garuda will become the second operator to commit to the Max 10 in Indonesia.
Rival Lion Air Group holds a firm order for 50 737 Max 10s, and Fleets Analyzer shows that the first of those is likely to be delivered in late 2020.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
