transavia

Air France KLM’s wholly-owned subsidiary Transavia has placed a $1.6bn firm order for 17 next-generation 737-800s, with an option for three aircraft.

Previously, the order was posted from an unidentified customer on the Boeing orders and deliveries website.

The airline operates an all-Boeing fleet of 45 next-generation 737s, and plans to use the new airliners to strengthen its operations from France and the Netherlands.

Transavia CEO Bram Graber said: "This latest order will provide us with a solid platform to grow our business, while offering our passengers outstanding value and comfort."

"The aircraft for Transavia will be designed to accommodate 189 passengers, and will be equipped with CFM International’s CFM56-7BE engines."

Transavia is expected to receive the aircraft from January 2016 through to 2018.

The aircraft for Transavia will be designed to accommodate 189 passengers, and will be equipped with CFM International’s CFM56-7BE engines.

Said to be the best-selling version of the next-generation 737 family, the 737-800 received more than 6,800 orders from customers worldwide.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes European sales vice-president Todd Nelp said: "Transavia has been operating 737s since the mid-1970s and it is a testament to the outstanding qualities of the 737 family that four decades of this airplane will remain the backbone of its fleet in the years to come."

In a separate statement, Boeing said Korean Air confirmed a $1.5bn order for five 777 freighters. Korean Air’s fleet includes 86 Boeing aircraft, and the airline has unfilled orders of 40 aeroplanes.

Image: Transavia’s 737-800 will be configured to accommodate 189 passengers. Photo: courtesy of AIR FRANCE KLM.