Industry Boeing delivers first 737 MAX 9 to Thai Lion Air

The added capacity will help Thai Lion Air to launch new international routes in Thailand. The Lion Air Group was also the first operator to take delivery of the MAX 8.

Capt. Darsito Hendro Seputro, CEO and Chairman of Thai Lion Air said: "The 737 MAX 9 is a perfect fit for our growing business in Thailand [...] The 737 has been the backbone of our business since we began and we will use the added capacity the airplane provides to expand our network and start additional routes to Bangladesh, China and India."

Lion Air Group has made a commitment for 50 MAX 10 aircraft as well. Altogether, the group has 200 737 MAXs on order and is one of the biggest 737-operator worldwide.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Kevin McAllister commented on the delivery: "The Lion Air Group is the perfect example of how the 737 MAX family provides a common fleet solution across the single-aisle spectrum [...] Not only will Lion Air Group benefit from the MAX's range and capacity, they will enjoy the best economics and reliability in the industry."

Boeing´s 737 MAX 9 can accommodate up to 220 passengers with a maximum range of 3,550 nautical miles. The aircraft can seat 18 more passengers than its smaller sister, the 737 MAX 8.

The mainline Lion Group operates with nearly 140 aircraft, including Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 737. Lion Air, established in 1999, is an Indonesian Carrier. Subsidiary Thai Lion Air was set up in 2013 and focuses to the Thai Low Cost market. The Lion Group also includes the airlines Batik Air, Wings Air and Malindo Air.