LAM - Linhas Aereas de Mocambique (LAM – Mozambique Airlines) has ordered three Next-Generation 737-700 airplanes. The order, valued at $228 million at list prices, includes purchase rights for three additional 737NGs. The order, formally signed in November 2013 and was previously unidentified on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website, is part of the Mozambique flag-carrier and the country's Ministry of Transport and Communication's long-term strategy to increase flight frequency and provide greater route flexibility to and from the southern African nation.
"In order to thrive in this highly competitive environment, LAM - Linhas Aereas de Mocambique has developed an in-depth Strategic Business Plan which resulted in the restructuring of its network to facilitate its growth and expansion," said Dra. Marlene Mendes Manave, chief executive officer, LAM - Linhas Aereas de Mocambique. "This investment in the Next-Generation 737-700s will help Mozambique to remain at the forefront of the growing demand for air travel in our region and enable expansion into several new markets."
LAM - Linhas Aereas de Mocambique's new 737-700s will be fitted with Boeing's latest Performance Improvement Package (PIP), delivering an additional two percent improvement in fuel efficiency. The airplanes will also feature the Boeing Sky Interior.
"With record passenger numbers in recent years, LAM - Linhas Aereas de Mocambique understands the value of the 737 as it has already successful utilized the airplane's capabilities to become a key player in southern Africa," said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Today's order for Next-Generation 737-700s will enable LAM - Linhas Aereas de Mocambique to realize greater efficiencies, improved performance and enhanced passenger comfort, as the airline continues to move forward with its ambitious growth."
"The development of gas and other hydrocarbon resources, including oil, will have major implications for Mozambique – a strong aviation infrastructure with a modern fleet of Next-Generation 737 jetliners will be of enormous benefit to the people of Mozambique, business travelers and our tourism industry, and will substantially contribute to our economic development," said Dra. Manave.
Based at Maputo International Airport in Mozambique's capital city, LAM - Linhas Aereas de Mocambique currently operates flights domestically and regionally, across southern Africa with a fleet that currently includes Boeing 737-500s, and other smaller regional aircraft.