Jeju Air has announced an order for up to 50 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which is the largest ever order from a Korean low-cost carrier.
The deal - valued at up to $5.9 billion at list prices - includes 40 firm orders for the 737 MAX 8 airplanes with options for 10 additional jets.
"With Korea's growing commercial aviation market, we are excited to take the next step in expanding our business with the 737 MAX, a world-class airplane that will allow us to improve our operation and continue to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for our passengers," said Seok-Joo Lee, President and CEO of Jeju Air. "The 737 MAX 8 and its superior performance and economics make it an ideal airplane to implement our growth strategy as we look to expand beyond Asia in the coming years."
Jeju Air, based in South Korea's Jeju Island, began operation in 2005 as the country's first low-cost carrier. Since that time, the carrier has spearheaded the rapid development of Korea's LCC market and contributed to the expansion of the broader Korean commercial aviation industry.
Flying a fleet of nearly 40 Next-Generation 737-800s, Jeju Air has steadily expanded its business and its profits. The airline has achieved 25 percent annual sales growth over the past five years and recorded 17 consecutive quarters of profitability.
Along with the new airplanes, Boeing Global Services will provide Jeju Air with digital tools to reduce its operating costs. The solutions include the Fuel Dashboard Program, which allows operators to look across their fleet and identify areas where they can optimize their fuel spending.