United Airlines anticipates significantly better economics from the Boeing 737 Max 10 than other models, prompting its launch order for the variant last June.
The aircraft will "achieve superior economics" compared to the Max 9 due to the addition of roughly 10 seats at the expense of only about 300nm (556km) in range, a presentation by United senior vice-president of finance, procurement and treasurer Gerry Laderman on 27 February shows.
The Chicago-based carrier will be able to generate additional revenue at a lower unit cost with the additional seats, it shows.
United will configure its 737-9 with 179 seats – the same as on its 737-900ERs – putting the 737-10 at around 189 seats when deliveries begin in 2020. It expects its first 10 737-9s this year, with the first three due in April.
Boeing lists the range of the 737-9 as 3,550nm and the 737-10 as 3,300nm.
United has firm orders for 61 737-9s and 100 -10s.
The 737-10 is a stretch of a stretch with the Max 8 the base model for the re-engined aircraft. Boeing launched the type with United's conversion of 100 Max orders at the Paris air show in June 2017.
United is not alone is seeing the 737-10 as the economically superior variant. An executive at another large 737 operator calls it an "economic powerhouse" especially on routes where the range of the Max 8 or 9 is not needed.
Boeing has 403 orders for the 737-10, including 100 from United, 20 from SpiceJet and 15 from Copa Airlines, Flight Fleets Analyzer shows.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
