Skymark Airlines Plans To Acquire Up To 12 Boeing 737 MAX Jets

Japanese carrier Skymark Airlines has revealed it wants to order several aircraft from the Boeing 737 MAX series. The low-cost airline has plans to renew its fleet in the next 2-3 years, and the MAX planes seem like a natural progression as it already operates a fleet of the older-generation 737s.

Up to 12 planes

Skymark Airlines has announced today its intent to acquire up to 12 737 MAX airplanes as part of its fleet modernization efforts. The airline is looking to order four airplanes, including the 737-8 and 737-10 variants, with options for two additional jets.

In a separate arrangement, it will also add six lessor-owned 737-8s to its fleet. Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Ihssane Mounir, commented,

“As Skymark Airlines looks to sustainably grow its fleet, the 737 MAX family offers market-leading efficiency and environmental performance. With commonality and enhanced capabilities, the 737-8 and 737-10 will enable Skymark Airlines to optimize its fleet across all operations.”

Photo: Getty Images

Like many other airlines that have gone for the MAX planes, Skymark, too, wants to benefit from the plane’s efficiency. The MAX series reduces fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% and the noise footprint by 50% compared to the airplanes they replace.

The family of airplanes also uses the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, advanced technology winglets, and other aerodynamic enhancements to improve performance and reduce operating costs.

Recovery mode

Based in Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND), Skymark Airlines is Japan’s third-largest carrier by revenue and currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 29 Next-Generation 737-800s. Like carriers around the world, Skymark was also affected severely during the pandemic and was forced to take measures to stay afloat, including reducing the workweek by 20%.

Photo: Getty Images

But it hopes to benefit from renewed passenger demand post-COVID. A few days ago, Skymark also applied to relist on the Tokyo Stock exchange to raise funds to fuel its growth, reshape its finances and invest in technology and aircraft. Its latest announcement regarding the MAX planes is part of its larger turnaround plan.

MAX in demand again

Following a rough few years, Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft is witnessing a strong resurgence. Of the 122 aircraft orders received by Boeing in October, 106 were for the MAX family. Much of it was driven by the massive deals signed by Alaska Airlines and British Airways owner IAG.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace – Simple Flying

Alaska Airlines placed its largest order ever last month, announcing that it would be exercising options to purchase 52 Boeing 737 MAX jets. This includes aircraft from the entire 737 MAX family – 737-8, 737-9, and the yet-to-be-certified 737-10. IAG, too, confirmed a firm order for 50 MAX jets, with an option for another 100.

Clearly, the 737 MAX is fast becoming the aircraft of choice for many carriers.

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