Airlines SCAT Airlines receives first Boeing 737 MAX

During a ceremony, held in Seattle, SCAT Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX 8, one of six that the airline will operate.

SCAT seeks to improve and expand its service and fleet. With the new MAX 8, the carrier will be able to experience improvements in fuel efficiency and environmental performance. Currently, SCAT operates with seven Boeing 737s, which have an average age of over 20 years.

Vladimir Denisov, president of SCAT Airlines, said: “Last year SCAT celebrated its 20th anniversary and it is very symbolic that we are entering a year of adulthood with a purchase of the newest aircraft models. We are confident that the acquisition of Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets will not only raise the level of customer service in our airline, but will also give a new momentum to the development of the aviation industry in Kazakhstan.”

Marty Bentrott, Boeing Sales vice president for Middle East, Turkey, Russia, Central Asia & Africa, added: "Today marks another significant milestone in our long-term partnership with SCAT Airlines. We are proud to have supported their growth and we look forward to the 737 MAX taking the airline to new heights."

The order dates to Dubai Airshow 2017, where SCAT ordered six Boeing 737 MAX 8s. The agreement is valued at $674 million at list prices. Furthermore, the airline has purchase rights for five additional MAX 8s.

SCAT Airlines was established in 1997 and its operational base is in Skymkent, Kazakhstan. The carrier operates on domestic and international routes. Currently, SCAT operates with seven Canadair CRJ 200s, three Boeing 737-300s, three Boeing 737-500s and one Boeing 737-700.