India's Jet emerges as customer for up to 75 Max 8s

India's Jet Airways has been identified as the customer behind a previously unattributed order for Boeing 737 Max 8s.

Boeing says the deal with Jet, announced at the Dubai air show, comprises conversions of 25 Next-Generation 737s to the re-engined variant plus options and purchase rights spanning an additional 50 Max 8s.

Jet will be the first Indian airline to take delivery of a 737 Max, Boeing confirms. The order "supports the airline's replacement strategy", adds the aiframer.

Boeing

Naresh Goyal, Jet's chairman, says: "We do not take our competition lightly and we will further seek to grow the domestic aviation market [in India]."

The Max, he argues, will "allow us to drive our operational efficiency and reaffirms our commitment to providing a best-in-class full-service travel experience to our guests."

Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways holds a 24% stake in Jet.

Flightglobal's Fleets Analyzer database shows that the Indian airline's in-service fleet comprises 74 737s, eight Airbus A330s, four 777s and 18 ATR 72s.

Jet has 10 787-9s and five more A330s on order.