MINSK, 8 April (BelTA) – On 8 April, the Belarusian air carrier Belavia added a Boeing 737-8 to its fleet. The aircraft is the first out of five jets that will be delivered to Belavia in line with its agreement with the leasing company Air Lease Corporation (ALC) signed in July 2018, BelTA learned from Belavia's press service.
Boeing 737-8 jets are equipped with cost effective CFM LEAP-1B engines. Fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 16% in comparison with the previous generation 737. Fuel saving results in lower operational costs and smaller impact on the environment.
The range of Boeing 737-8 equals 6,574 kilometers, which is by 1,111 kilometers more than the range of its predecessor. Greater range enables air carriers to offer new destinations. Belavia intends to deploy its Boeing 737-8 on the most popular and longest regular routes.
“Belavia's route network has expanded considerably and we are happy to facilitate its development by means of upgrading the fleet. Half of Belavia's fleet consists of Boeing 737 jets of the previous generations. I am thankful to our partners for choosing once again the newest model of the 737 family,” Sergei Kravchenko, president of the Boeing International Russia/CIS region, said.
“The delivery of Belavia's first 737-8 jet is a very important historic moment in our relations with Belavia. Eighteen years ago our team introduced this company to the Boeing 737 family. Today we are happy to announce that the first of the five new 737-8 aircraft has been added to Belavia's fleet within the framework of the long-term lease agreement,” Executive Chairman of the Board of Air Lease Corporation Steven Udvar-Hazy said.
Belavia became the 28th air carrier in the world to operate Boeing 737-8. The jet can seat 174 passengers: 162 in economy class and 12 in business class. The cabin boasts the new style Boeing Sky Interior that is characterized by a modern design with smooth lines, LED lighting, and larger overhead compartments for passenger's convenience.
“Since 2003, our passengers have traveled in Boeing jets. Thanks to Belavia's aim to improve its services while ensuring safety, the company constantly develops. The Boeing company, our long-standing partner, is helping us open a new page in the development of our fleet. Jets of the new generation Boeing 737-8 will gradually replace Boeing 737-300 and 737-500 jets that are currently operated by Belavia, which will help us upgrade our fleet. We should also note that 737-8 aircraft have the best characteristics: they are more eco-friendly and cost-effective. This will enable us to reduce ticket prices, which is what our passengers want,” Belavia's Director General Igor Cherginets stressed.
According to him, the difference between the new jet and 737-800 jets is the cabin of business class. “It is a separate cabin with 12 comfortable seats. This will significantly improve the comfort of our passengers,” Igor Cherginets added.
“We are have prepared for the acceptance procedure very thoroughly. Our pilots underwent training to learn to fly such jets a year ago and will do this again now. Maintenance personnel are also set to undergo refresher training and prove that they know how to work with these jets. When we accept delivery of a new aircraft, we should be absolutely sure that we are able to guarantee the safety of our passengers. We hope that every flight will become more comfortable and memorable for our passengers,” Igor Cherginets noted.
At present, Boeing 737-8 jets are successfully operated by such air carriers as United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, Alaska Airlines, GOL, Aeromexico, Air Canada, WestJet, Smartwings, TUI fly, and others.
Belavia is the largest air carrier in Belarus. It was established on 5 March 1996. Belavia joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 1997 and the European Regions Airline Association (ERAA) in 2010. At present, its fleet includes 29 aircraft (one Boeing 737-8, nine Boeing 737-800, two Boeing 737-500, three Boeing 737-300, five Embraer-175, seven Embraer-195, and two Embraer 195-E2).
Boeing is one of the biggest global aerospace corporations and the largest manufacturer of civil and military aircraft. The company also develops and produces helicopters, rockets, telecommunications equipment, satellites, defense systems, and advanced information and communications systems. Boeing is the largest exporter in the United States in terms of sales. It has clients in more than 150 countries and effectively operates its international supply chain.
Photos courtesy of Belavia
