Historic First 737 MAX Order

Air Sénégal has placed a historic first order for the Boeing 737 MAX on the opening day of the 2025 Dubai Airshow.

The landmark deal for the West African carrier will see it eventually operate nine 737 MAX jets, selecting the mid-range 737-8 specifically.

The deal, which still needs to be finalised, also marks the first Boeing order placed by Air Sénégal in more than 20 years; its last came in 2004.

However, the airline is now keen to expand not just regional operations but also international connectivity, and is targeting the 737 MAX to achieve that.

Air Sénégal says that with the addition of these planes, it’ll be able to launch new routes from Dakar to the Middle East and the Americas, while also serving secondary European cities.

The West African carrier highlights the benefits secondary cities offer, enabling fliers aboard its aircraft to bypass some of the more strenuous major hubs while still serving markets in demand.

This acquisition marks a major milestone for Air Sénégal. This order is part of Air Sénégal’s strategy to strengthen and modernize its fleet in order to support the expansion of its regional and intercontinental network and reinforce Dakar’s position as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.

Air Sénégal Chief Executive Officer Tidiane Ndiaye.

Boeing believes there’s a great opportunity in Africa, with its most recent 2025 Commercial Market Outlook forecasting the requirement for over 1,000 planes to be delivered across the next decade, and 70% of these will be single aisles.

With Ethiopian Airlines just upgrading its reliance on the 737 MAX, also at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, it highlights how many of these African companies are already looking to take the next neccesary step in their fleet revamp efforts.

The 737 MAX’s Importance

With the 737 MAX, specifically the 737-8, able to carry 178 passengers in a two-class configuration, Air Sénégal will benefit from the jet’s capacity while also achieving lower fuel use and emissions of around 20%.

The industry has placed such great importance on becoming more sustainable; therefore, acquiring models such as the 737 MAX is an important step in the right direction for the West African sector.

We look forward to welcoming Air Senegal to the 737 MAX family as they leverage the versatility, reliability and advanced technology of the 737-8 to support their growth ambitions. We are committed to sustainable development of air travel in the region and will partner with Air Senegal as they enhance their fleet and passenger experience.

Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing

The 737-8 also offers a range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,480km), making it the ideal choice for Air Sénégal as it seeks to expand its network from Dakar.