Israeli carrier El Al has agreed to purchase up to 31 Boeing 737 Max aircraft in a deal valued at up to $2.5 billion.
The airline said that the deal was the largest procurement contract in El Al’s history and includes buying 20 aircraft with options for 11 more 737 Max planes. The latest contract follows El Al’s recent agreement to purchase up to nine additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
El Al plans to use the new aircraft to replace the carrier’s current fleet of narrowbody Boeing 737-800s and 737-900s, with deliveries expected to start in 2028. The deal will also enable El Al to integrate new technologies and boost seat capacity.
The carrier added that this move was “designed to upgrade the service and flight experience, while prioritising environmental sustainability in line with current global ESG standards”.
The Boeing 737 Max reduces fuel use and emissions compared to older aircraft. It is also quieter than the planes it will be replacing.