Huge Boeing Order Expected

Boeing could be set to secure another sizeable order for its 737 MAX with the 787 also included, according to reports.

Gaurdia Indonesia, an Indonesian-based carrier, is seeking to purchase up to 75 new aircraft, with the 737 MAX at the forefront of these discussions and ongoing studies.

In a bid to expand its international operations, the CEO of Garuda Indonesia believes that adding more MAX jets to its backlog, thanks to Boeing, would enable greater connectivity and ease the stress on its existing aircraft.

Garuda Indonesia’s period with the 737 MAX has mainly been interrupted, primarily due to crashes in the late 2010s that grounded the type and a subsequent global pandemic.

While it has been a process to regain confidence in the jet, on paper, the performance metrics of the 737 MAX stack up well, and it remains of great interest to operators such as Garuda Indonesia, which are looking to evolve their single-aisle operations.

Discussions are therefore now ongoing to see the carrier purchase somewhere between 50 and 75 jets from the planemaker; however, while much focus rests on the 737 MAX, it doesn’t stop just there.

There is also interest from Garuda Indonesia in selecting the Boeing 787 as part of plans to enhance its wide-body fleet, a decision that would add a new type to its business.

Boeing To Help Garuda Indonesia Grow

Prospective new deals from Garuda Indonesia, such as what is currently being discussed, come as no surprise.

The Indonesian company has, on several occasions, reaffirmed its stance that the time for expansion is now and has set targets for fleet growth that must be achieved within the next five years.

Gaurda Indonesia confirmed in late 2024 its intention to increase the business to 150 commercial aircraft over time. However, it stated that stabilising its operations was required first.

Having 150 aircraft will help Garuda Indonesia expand its international network, serve new markets, and increase capacity towards existing locations. It will also make its operation more cost-efficient as older planes will be retired.

However, hopes of reaching this target still present their challenges, as recent poor financial results have hindered the airline’s planned expansion. Nevertheless, with work undertaken to restructure the carrier, there’s newfound hope for progress.

As a result, Boeing will be competing for a new, lucrative contract that would involve purchasing single-aisle and wide-body jets to expand Garuda Indonesia’s fleet.