OREANDA-NEWS.    Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Nok Airlines Public Company Limited (Nok Air) finalized an order today for eight Next-Generation 737-800s and seven 737 MAX 8s. Nok Air also announced that it intends to convert one of the 737-800s into a 737 MAX at a later date.

"The 737 is the backbone of our fleet and has fueled our growth over the past 10 years," said Patee Sarasin, CEO of Nok Air. "This order is a key part of our disciplined fleet strategy. These 737s ensure that Nok continues to operate the most reliable and fuel-efficient aircraft on the market today and in the future."

The order, first announced as a commitment at the Singapore Air Show in February, is valued at USD 1.45 billion at list prices and will establish Nok Air as the first airline in Thailand to operate the 737 MAX. While Nok Air currently operates a fleet of 15 Next-Generation 737s, this marks the airline's first direct order with Boeing.

"The growth of Nok Air over the past decade is truly remarkable," said John Wojick, senior vice president of Global Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We have been with Nok Air every step of the way the past 10 years and we are pleased to see this order will help Nok continue to build on its success. The efficiency, reliability and cabin amenities of the 737 combined with Nok Air's innovative products and services will enable the airline to continue to provide its customers high-quality service at a low cost."
The 737-800 is the best-selling version of the highly successful Next-Generation 737 family, the most technologically advanced airplanes in the single-aisle market. The Next-Generation 737's market success has been confirmed by investors who consistently rank it as the most preferred single-aisle airplane due to its wide market base, superior performance efficiency and lowest operating costs in its class.

The 737 MAX now has 2,017 orders from 40 customers. The 737 MAX brings the most advanced engine technologies to the world's best-selling airplane, building on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see an 8 percent operating cost per seat advantage over tomorrow's competition.