Romanian budget carrier Blue Air has started talks with Boeing with a view to purchasing 10 additional 737-800/900 aircraft.

The carrier reached agreement last year to acquire five 737s - comprising two -800s and three -900ERs.

But the Bucharest-based airline says it has "opened negotiations" for a "new order" for 10 aircraft.

It says it wants to place the order and retain an agreement to take five options.

Blue Air 737

Blue Air general manager Adrian Ionascu says the discussions with Boeing are a "very important step" for the airline, adding that it will be able to accommodate more passengers with the higher-capacity jets.

It has not stated when it would begin taking delivery of the aircraft. Blue Air's fleet mainly comprises older 737 variants.

Blue Air operates primarily from the Romanian capital's secondary Baneasa Airport to a range of destinations in Europe.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news