Huge Boeing 737 MAX Order Nears?

Allegiant Air is emerging as a candidate for another sizable purchase of Boeing 737 MAX jets as part of the newly merged Allegiant–Sun Country group.

As a consequence of the merger, executives are taking a fresh look at what options are present within the orderbook, including notably those that are options and can be converted into firm purchases.

With up to 80 additional 737 MAX jets on the table, the airline is now in the evaluation period where it determines how fleet renewal will shape in the next decade and how these options can be leveraged to benefit.

737 MAX Interest Is Red Hot

Allegiant’s 737 MAX involvement began years ago with a firm order for 50 of the 737 MAX jets and options for a further 50 at the time. The sizeable contract was a huge moment not just for the airline but for Boeing, given it was from a U.S. and, most importantly, large ultra-low-cost carrier.

The package included high-density 737-8200 jets and smaller models to give the business a mix of modern, efficient narrowbodies that would serve across the network, with capacity, density and flexibility at the forefront of the decision-making.

Since the order placement, Allegiant has taken delivery of many 737 MAX jets; the fleet now consists of 21 of the 737-8 jets, with more scheduled over the coming years thanks to delivery slots. By the end of 2027, the airline expects to have close to 50 of the 737 MAX jets in service.

However, the options for 55 of the 737-8200s and the smallest 737-7 that were on the books remain of most interest for the carrier, and for Boeing to have the chance to convert to firm contracts. Most orders will typically include options to give airlines the chance to scale their orderbook without negotiation pressures, but options are not guaranteed to be exercised.

Now, the airline’s President and CFO Robert Neal, in an article flagged by Aviation Week and when speaking with analysts, has stated discussions are ongoing about the option book and what the new 737 MAX jets could do for flexibility, gauge, range, scheduling, and expansion.

Additionally, Neal has stated that all firm orders are for the 737-8 at the moment, but with the 737-7 just receiving its certification and the 737-10 looming, there is flexibility to adjust the mix and options to suit the new combination better.

Why The 737 MAX Is A Hit With Allegiant

For Allegiant, committing to further 737 MAX jets from its option book if suitable is straightforward. Not just from a fleet efficiency standpoint, but given the model’s familiarity and pre-existing negotiated terms, the integration will be seamless for the business on multiple fronts.

Considering adding more jets to the firm orderbook, though, comes as a result of studies to lower fuel burn; an attractive engine maintenance profile has also been a pillar of the ongoing talks. As a leisure-focused and ultra-low-cost carrier, margins are tight, and Allegiant knows it must analyse and extract any savings.

Allegiant is also planning to upgrade the 737 MAX, which will be possible with a new onboard product. From 2027, Allegiant will offer Allegiant First, which will be two rows of Recaro first-class seats at the front of the cabin, and thus see a decrease in seats from 190 to 188; these changes will be present on all new deliveries.

Inside the remainder of the cabin, other improvements will be felt; these, for the moment, are on new deliveries only, and the decision to retrofit and thus spend capital on the existing 21 frames has yet to be made.

Paying for the 737 MAX fleet has also been made possible thanks to asset sales. The U.S. carrier cited that it has looked to ship off older and underutilised aircraft to fund 25% of the 737 MAX orders thus far and also preserve its balance sheet. At the same time, ongoing volatility threatens to hit the company.

A Sun Country Merger Changes Everything

The merger with Sun Country, completed in May 2026, has, however, changed the equation quite significantly and is why further 737 MAX orders are being brought into the frame.

Under the combined company, there are now nearly 200 aircraft, and the network served has expanded considerably, with Sun Country’s own exclusive 737 operation.

Allegiant is set to deploy MAX aircraft on former Sun Country routes as part of the ongoing integration process with a long-term view, according to Neal, to try and standardise while also modernising the combined network. The merger opens the door to further opportunities and growing the 737 MAX orderbook a likely necessity if not to benefit itself then Sun Country.

The newer 737 MAX jets can help replace the older 737NGs critically on the Sun Country side of the business while also upgrading capacity in leisure markets. Other variants could open up thinner and longer‑range routes to ensure the network remains agile and competitive.

If Boeing can turn options into firm orders, its orderbook would rise significantly and represent a huge win over a business that has relied heavily on Airbus for its previous generation of flying but now has turned to its fellow U.S. company for the future.