Luxair To Be 737 MAX 7 European Launch Customer

Boeing kicked off the third day of the Paris Air Show by confirming that Luxair will become the European launch customer of the yet-to-be certified 737 MAX 7.

The airline, Luxembourg's flag carrier, signed an agreement to purchase four of the type, following on from orders for four 737 MAX 8s since March 2023. The carrier will also initially lease two MAX 8s, due to arrive this summer.

Luxair CEO Gilles Feith said the latest order is an “extra step towards securing a long-term future” of the airline. “This type of aircraft is a perfect match for Luxair and will meet the requirements of the market,” he said.

“Seating 160 passengers, the [MAX 7] will offer flexibility across the Luxair destination network while significantly reducing fuel consumption.”

Luxair has a fleet of 20 aircraft in service, CAPA Fleet Database shows, comprising eight 737s, 11 Bombardier DHC-8-400s and one Embraer E190. The airline flies to 80 destinations across Europe, including Barcelona, Hamburg, Lisbon and London City.

Boeing estimates that the average MAX 7 will seat between 138 and 158 passengers, smaller than the MAX 8, which can seat between 162 to 178 passengers. Southwest Airlines is set to be the launch customer, although Boeing has struggled to get the aircraft certified.

In late May, Boeing SVP development programs and customer support Mike Fleming told reporters the company was “getting close” to certification and anticipates having the MAX 7 variant certified this year.