European carrier TUI Group has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX 8, with another 51 on order, eight more of which are expected to be delivered by the end of this year.
Contrary to initial plans, the aircraft did not need to stop for fuel in Reykjavik, Iceland and made the 8,500 km from Seattle to Brussels in Belgium in a single flight. It will be operated by TUI’s subsidiary TUI fly Belgium. The first nine MAX 8s will be operated by TUI in Belgium, Sweden, the UK and the Netherlands. The first B737 MAX for TUI fly Germany is scheduled for delivery in early 2019.
“The 737 MAX is a great fit for TUI Group, with 14% lower carbon emissions and a 40% smaller noise footprint supporting its airlines commitment to sustainability,” said Monty Oliver, vice-president of European sales at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The single-aisle aircraft is powered by CFM International’s LEAP-1B engines.
TUI also has 18 B737 MAX 10s ordered, and its current plan entails a full fleet renewal to be completed by 2023. It currently operates a fleet of 150 aircraft.
