FARNBOROUGH – As day one comes to an end at Farnborough, Boeing has come out on top with the 737 MAX. Here is our recap.

It has been a relatively quiet day for orders compared to the normal chaos that we normally see on the first day of an airshow. But they were replaced instead with two big orders.

Boeing Secures Big MAX Deal with Delta Air Lines

Boeing has had a big commitment towards the 737 MAX with Delta Air Lines as the Atlanta-based carrier ordered 100 firm and 30 options.

“The Boeing 737-10 will be an important addition to Delta’s fleet as we shape a more sustainable future for air travel, with an elevated customer experience, improved fuel efficiency and best-in-class performance,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer. “These new aircraft provide superior operating economics and network flexibility, and the agreement reflects our prudent approach to deploying our capital.”

Most importantly, Bastian said, “This aircraft will be piloted, served and maintained by the very best professionals in the business, and it’s their hard work and dedication to our customers that always sets us apart.”

“We are proud that Delta Air Lines, is renewing its single-aisle fleet with the 737 MAX, the industry’s most fuel-efficient family of airplanes,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“Built in our factory in Washington state with support from key suppliers across the US, the 737-10 will provide Delta Air Lines with the best economics to carry more passengers across its short and medium-haul routes.”

No list price was placed for this order, suggesting that some form of a discount has been given to Delta in order to receive this aircraft.

Boeing also took the opportunity to announce the confirmation of the ANA Holdings MAX & 777X Freighter order that was announced by the Japanese carrier a couple of weeks ago.

The American planemaker also announced that Norwegian have firmed up their Letter of Intent for 50 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which will mark the carrier’s recommitment to the aircraft type since the airline’s new era post-bankruptcy.

With these being confirmation orders (Excluding Delta), this will not be counted in our overall table that you will see on our main Farnborough Air Show page.

ATR Scores Big in Japan…

ATR has had a very strong start to the Farnborough Air Show, announcing a Letter of Intent with new Japanese carrier Feel Air Holdings for up to 36 ATR aircraft.

Whilst no breakdown was established, we do know that the order is going to be a mix of the 72-600 and STOL aircraft, to help preserve better connectivity region to region in Japan.

All aircraft are expected to be delivered over the next few years, with the final delivery taking place in the Spring of 2028.

This is a big step for ATR, as CEO Stefano Bortoli is aiming to centralize the Japanese regional market, with the expectation of there being 100 aircraft operating in the market over the next couple of years.

More analysis to follow on AviationSource soon regarding the Feel Air order, as well as who they are as a carrier and how they can be a major disruptor.

Nothing For Airbus or Embraer?

Sustainability has been a prime focus for Airbus on Day 1, with the European manufacturer announcing a multi-carrier letter of intent to explore opportunities for a future supply of carbon removal credits from direct air carbon capture technology.

Airbus and a number of major airlines – Air Canada, Air France-KLM, easyJet, International Airlines Group, LATAM Airlines Group, Lufthansa Group and Virgin Atlantic are among those who have signed a LoI.

Either way, no overall order has been produced by Airbus. However, there is elements on the rumour mill that are suggesting LOT Polish Airlines is looking to order 60 A220s. It is key to note these are rumours and nothing concrete at this time.

On top of that, we are still awaiting news from the Air India side regarding an Airbus/Boeing order, but hopefully we know more soon.

Airbus also join Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, who have also not scored any orders today. They signed a maintenance extension contract with LOT Polish Airlines for additional e-jets that have been brought into the Polish carrier’s fleet.

The Scoreboard

Below, you can see the scoreboard after the first day of operations here at the Farnborough Air Show:

Overall…

Boeing has done well today. Even though it is one order, it is the quantity of aircraft ordered which is going to be a big deal for the MAX program.

The confirmation from ANA for the 777X Freighter is good news for the overall aircraft program, and Boeing will be looking to capitalise on this as the week progresses. With the 737 MAX & 777X on display at Farnborough, it is likely that the majority of orders will come from these aircraft.

ATR have done a very good job with this major order today. They have even busted my forecast of the manufacturer only selling 19 aircraft, of which you can read the full Editor’s Corner here.

For the Japanese regional market, this order represents a revitalisation of important links within the country, and it does appear that Feel Air will thrive well in this regard. 

Be sure to continue following our live coverage here at AviationSource and we shall see you tomorrow for Day 2! Stay tuned!