Belavia Airlines

Belarus flag carrier Belavia Airlines has entered into an agreement for three Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft, worth $272m at current list prices.

The new order marks the airline’s first direct purchase of Boeing jets for Belavia.

Belavia Belarusian Airlines director general Anatoly Gusarov said: "The purchase of three Next-Generation 737-800s will make it possible to open new scheduled flights to destinations, which currently are unavailable due to the remoteness of the base airport."

The new aircraft will be capable of accommodating nearly 189 passengers in economy class cabin and will be run on the carrier’s existing charter routes.

"The new aircraft will be capable of accommodating nearly 189 passengers in economy class."

Belavia believes that the aircraft features improved economic efficiency that will reduce operational costs, and extending range that will allow for non-stop flights to farther destinations, including Tenerife, Canary Islands and Dubai.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes Middle East, Russia and Central Asia sales vice-president Marty Bentrott said: "This is an important step in our cooperation with Belavia and it will allow Belavia and Boeing to build on a successful business partnership for many years to come."

Belavia Belarusian Airlines, based in the Minsk International Airport, serves a network of routes between European cities and the Commonwealth of Independent States, as well as several Middle East destinations.

Its Boeing fleet currently includes of six 737-500s and seven 737-300s.

Image: A 737-800 in Belavia livery. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

Defence Technology