Indonesia’s Lion Air hits headlines again

Indonesia's Lion Air Group, which has previously placed two of the world's largest aircraft orders, hit the headlines again this week with another massive deal.

The group, which now operates airlines in three Southeast Asian countries - Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand - has penned a US$6.2 billion agreement for 50 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft - the newest and highest-capacity version of Boeing's new single-aisle jet.

The 737 MAX 10, which was launched at this week's Paris Air Show, can seat a maximum of 230 passengers in a single-class layout.

Lion Air's latest order follows previous headline-making deals, including an initial deal for 60 Boeing 737s in 2005, a world record-breaking 230-aircraft deal with Boeing in 2012, and another new record-breaking order for 234 Airbus A320 aircraft in 2013.

"The Lion Air Group was first in the world to put the 737 MAX 8 into service and the first to order the 737 MAX 9, and we continue to lead the way again with this commitment for 50 737 MAX 10s and help launch the latest version of the 737," said Lion Air's group president, Edward Sirait.

Boeing launched its 737 MAX 10 at the Paris Air Show

The Lion Air Group is one of the world's largest 737 operators and the launch customer of the 737 MAX 9. Its Malaysian subsidiary, Malindo Air, was also the first airline in the world to operate the 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

"Boeing is honoured that the 737 family of airplanes continues to play an integral role in the Lion Air Group's fleet and growth strategy," said Boeing's commercial president & CEO, Kevin McAllister. "This commitment is a testament to the capabilities of the 737 MAX family of airplanes and we look forward to delivering both the 737 MAX 9 and MAX 10 to them in the coming years."

The 737 MAX 10 is the fourth and largest version of Boeing 737 MAX series. It is capable of carrying 188 passengers in a typical two-class layout or 230 passengers in a single-class configuration. This is still 10 fewer however, than its main rival, the A321neo, which can seat a maximum of 240 passengers.