Flyadeal commits to 30 Boeing 737 MAX order

Flyadeal, a unit of Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), committed on Friday to ordering 30 737 MAX airplanes from Boeing, with options for 20 more in a deal that would be valued at up to $5.9 billion at list prices, Saudia said in a statement.

Under the agreement Boeing will provide maintenance services to the fleet and will manage its engineering services.

Flyadeal chose the 189-seat airplane to take advantage of its fuel efficiency, range and passenger comforts.

“The low-fares airline will continue to expand rapidly, and the addition to the fleet aligns well with Flyadeal’s target to grow its presence in the domestic market and cover new markets outside of Saudi Arabia,” Saudia’s director general, Saleh Al-Jasser, said.

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating more than 4,800 orders from over 100 customers worldwide.

The airplane’s superior performance is enabled by the latest technology in the single-aisle market, including advanced CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, and other airframe enhancements.