Boeing 737-8 became the 29th aircraft in the fleet of Belavia

On April 8, the fleet of Belavia-Belarusian Airlines was replenished with the first Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The aircraft was the first of five aircraft, the contract for supply of which was signed between Belavia-Belarusian Airlines and leasing company Air Lease Corporation (ALC) in July 2018.

The Boeing 737-8 aircraft are equipped with fuel-efficient CFM LEAP-1B engines. Fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 16% compared to the previous generation 737. Fuel efficiency provides lower operating costs and less environmental impact.

The flight range of the Boeing 737-8 is 6,574 km, which is by 1,111 km more than its predecessor. The increased flight range allows to offer passengers new routes. Belavia-Belarusian Airlines plans to begin operating the Boeing 737-8 on the most popular regular routes, as well as in the longest directions.

"Over the years Belavia’s network has increased tremendously, and we are happy to support its growth and fleet renewal with this new 737-8. Half of their fleet comprise previous generations of the Boeing 737 and we are honored that Belavia has once again placed its confidence in the 737 family, " said Sergey Kravchenko, the President of Boeing in Russia and CIS.

"ALC is pleased to confirm this historic and significant transaction with Belavia, delivering the airline’s first 737-8 today. Our team introduced the Boeing 737 aircraft family to Belavia 18 years ago and now we are delighted to announce the first of five new 737-8s on long-term lease with the airline”, said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.

Belavia-Belarusian Airlines became the twenty-first airline in the world who will start operating the Boeing 737-8. The aircraft is designed to carry 174 passengers: 162 seats in Economy Class and 12 seats in Business Class. The 737-8 cabin is made in the new Boeing Sky Interior style, which features a modern design with smooth lines, LED lighting and enlarged overhead stowage bins for passenger comfort.

"Since 2003, our passengers have been traveling on Boeing aircraft. The airline's desire to develop and constantly increase the service level with maximum flight safety does not allow us to stand still. Today, our long-standing partner — Boeing — helps us to open a new page in the development of our fleet. The next-generation Boeing 737-8 aircraft will gradually replace the Boeing 737-300 and Boeing 737-500 operated by the airline, which will significantly renew the aircraft fleet of Belavia-Belarusian Airlines. It should also be noted that the 737-8 aircraft have better characteristics: they are more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient. This will allow us to do what is so expected of us: to reduce the cost of air tickets.

For passengers, this aircraft will differ from the usual 737-800 aircraft, primarily in the Business Class cabin. It will be a separate cabin with 12 comfortable seats. Thus, we can talk about a significant increase in the service level for our passengers.

We are very carefully preparing for acceptance of the aircraft: our pilots completed training for this type of aircraft a year ago. Now, they are repeating training. This also concerns the technical personnel: they are re-trained and confirm their readiness for maintenance of this type of aircraft. When accepting a new aircraft, we must be sure of the safety of our passengers and will do everything to guarantee it. We hope that each trip of our passengers will become more comfortable and bright," commented Igor Tcherginets, Director General of Belavia-Belarusian Airlines.

At the moment, the Boeing 737-8 aircraft are successfully operated by such airlines as United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, Alaska Airlines, GOL, Aeromexico, Air Canada, WestJet, Smartwings, TUI fly, etc.