LAM Mozambique orders three B737s

Mozambique carrier Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM – Mozambique Airlines) has ordered three Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 airplanes.

The order, valued at $228 million at list prices, includes purchase rights for three additional aircraft of the same type.

The order, was formally signed in November 2013 but was previously unidentified on the Boeing orders & deliveries website, is part of the Mozambique flag-carrier and the country’s Ministry of Transport and Communication’s long-term strategy to increase flight frequency and provide greater route flexibility to and from the southern African nation.

“In order to thrive in this highly competitive environment, we have developed an in-depth strategic business plan which resulted in the restructuring of its network to facilitate its growth and expansion,” said Marlene Mendes Manave, the airline’s chief executive (pictured right) . “This investment in the Next-Generation 737-700s will help Mozambique to remain at the forefront of the growing demand for air travel in our region and enable expansion into several new markets.”

LAM’s new 737s will be fitted with Boeing's latest performance Improvement package (PIP), which delivers an additional 2% improvement in fuel efficiency. They will feature the Boeing Sky Interior, with modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger pivoting overhead stowage bins.

“With record passenger numbers in recent years, LAM - Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique understands the value of the 737 as it has already successful utilized the airplane’s capabilities to become a key player in southern Africa,” said Van Rex Gallard, Boeing’s vice president of sales for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. “Today’s order for Next-Generation 737-700s will enable LAM to realise greater efficiencies, improved performance and enhanced passenger comfort, as the airline continues to move forward with its ambitious growth.”