Sunwing Airlines Finalizes Aircraft Leasing Contract
Sunwing Airlines reports a deal worth $350 million has been finalized with Air Lease Corporation to supply the carrier with two Boeing 737-800 and four 737 MAX 8 aircraft over a four-year period commencing in early 2016.
The deal represents the largest single financial investment that the company has ever made to increase and upgrade its airplanes; once delivery has been taken the airline’s fleet will number 22 year round aircraft.
Sunwing Airlines recently became the second carrier in the world to commercially fly with Blended Winglets on its 737-800s after retrofitting its entire fleet with Split Scimitar Winglets, which both reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption. Officials say the addition of the 737 MAX 8 will only serve to improve the company’s eco footprint even further.
Sunwing Airlines president Mark Williams, commented, “The acquisition of our new Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft is an integral part of our overall expansion plan across an increasing number of both Canadian and US gateways. This year we will be operating flights out of 45 Canadian and US local airports to over 40 different destinations across North and South America, and the Caribbean. As we continue to grow, having aircraft that will enable us to offer a reliable, cost-effective and environmentally conscious service is paramount. So we are delighted to be able to include the new 737 MAX 8 in our fleet for the first time.”
New destinations that feature within Sunwing Airlines enhanced flight schedule for the coming winter include St. Lucia and the UNESCO-recognized Colombian city of Cartagena. Several new gateways are also operational from this season, notably Buffalo, New York and Cincinnati.
