Primera Travel Group’s low-cost airline Primera Air has placed an order to purchase eight Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, worth more than $950m at list prices.

The deal also includes purchase rights for four additional 737 MAX 9s and a lease agreement for eight more aircraft from Air Lease.

Once delivered, the aircraft will support Primera Air to expand its service between Europe and North America.

Equipped with CFM International LEAP-1B engines, advanced technology winglets and other improvements, the 737 MAX aircraft family is designed to provide improved performance, flexibility and efficiency, with lower per-seat costs and an extended range to the operators.

“Primera Air's commitment is a major endorsement of the 737 MAX 9 and its ability to serve new transatlantic markets."

Primera Air president Andri Ingolfsson said: “The 737 MAX 9 will allow Primera Air to open up nonstop, long-haul routes from Europe to the US with unmatched economics.

“This aircraft has a lower per-seat cost than the current wide body aircraft servicing the transatlantic and the capabilities of this aircraft type will change the economics of the industry.

“This will open up fantastic possibilities for growth for Primera Air in the future.”

Primera Air currently operates an all-Boeing fleet that features nine next-generation 737-700s and 737-800 aircraft.

The airline serves more than 70 airports across Europe.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes Europe sales vice-president Monty Oliver said: “Primera Air's commitment is a major endorsement of the 737 MAX 9 and its ability to serve new transatlantic markets.

“The MAX 9 will provide Primera Air unmatched efficiency, range, reliability and operating costs, while continuing to provide a premium onboard experience for its passengers.”

Boeing has so far received more than 3,700 orders for 737 MAX aircraft family from 87 customers worldwide.

Image: A Primera Air aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.