Skymark Airlines (Skymark) has announced today it’s intent to select the Boeing 737 MAX as its next generation single aisle aircraft of choice, making it Japan's first airline to do so. Boeing states that it will work closely with Skymark to finalize a firm order in the coming months.
"We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Boeing and work together on the renewal of our single-aisle fleet," said Shinichi Nishikubo, president and CEO of Skymark Airlines. "The Next-Generation 737 has been a key driver of our successful growth, and we are sure that the 737 MAX will provide us with even greater efficiency and competitive edge as we move into the next stage of expansion."
Based at its Haneda Airport hub in Tokyo, Skymark Airlines currently operates a fleet of 30 Next-Generation 737-800s on a lease from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and other lessors.
"Skymark is a pioneer in Japan's commercial aviation market as they continue to introduce new and innovative airplanes," said John Wojick, Senior Vice President of Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Under Mr. Nishikubo's leadership, Skymark became the first airline in Japan to bring the innovative Boeing Sky Interior to the travelling public onboard its fleet of Next Generation 737-800 airplanes. And now Skymark is poised to become Japan's first airline to enjoy the superior economic performance and environmental advantages of the 737 MAX."