Aeromexico, Boeing announce deal for 100 airliners

Aeromexico's order for 90 737 MAX aircraft continues a strong run for Boeing's upgraded narrowbody. (Boeing)

Aeromexico has reached a deal with Boeing to purchase 90 737 MAX-8 and -9 aircraft and 10 787 Dreamliners, continuing a strong sales run for the US planemaker.

Aeromexico also added to its 787 order. (Boeing)

The deal – worth US$10.8 billion at list prices once finalised – represents the largest ever aircraft purchase by a Mexican carrier, Aeromexico said. The airline said it expected to receive its first 737 MAX-8s in 2018, a year after Boeing’s upgraded narrowbody is due to begin deliveries.

Aeromexico had previously ordered nine 787-9s, which are slated to begin deliveries next year.

The deal came as Boeing boosted its profit forecast on the back of strong second quarter commercial aircraft deliveries and better-than-expected defence orders. Boeing delivered 150 commercial aircraft in Q2 — up from 118 a year ago – reflecting efforts to boost production and whittle down a growing order backlog of its most popular 737 and 777 models. Defence sales, helped by Saudi Arabia’s purchase of F-15 fighters, were up 6.6 per cent to US$8.19 billion

The Aeromexico deal also builds on Boeing’s strong performance earlier this month at the Farnborough Airshow, where it secured orders and commitments for 285 737 MAX aircraft as part of a US$35 billion sales haul.