British Airways owner International Airlines Group has announced plans to order 200 of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft, claiming its confidence in its safety.
The airline group said it was confident the aircraft could make a successful return to service.
The news comes after all 737 Max planes were grounded in March after an Ethiopian Airlines crash.
The Boeing 737 Max went down just six minutes after take-off in Addis Ababa, killing 157 people.
According to Boeing, the deal to purchase 200 Max jets was valued at more than $24 billion.
Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive said: “We’re very pleased to sign this letter of intent with Boeing and are certain that these aircraft will be a great addition to IAG’s shorthaul fleet.
“We have every confidence in Boeing and expect that the aircraft will make a successful return to service in the coming months having received approval from the regulators”.
The mix of 737-8 and 737-10 aircraft would be delivered between 2023 and 2027 and would be powered by CFM Leap engines. It is anticipated that the aircraft would be used by a number of the Group’s airlines including Vueling, LEVEL plus British Airways at London Gatwick airport.
In selecting the 737 MAX, IAG said it will fly a combination of the 737 MAX 8, which seats up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration, and the larger 737 MAX 10 jet, which can accommodate as many as 230 passengers.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Kevin McAllister said: "We are truly honoured and humbled by the leadership at International Airlines Group for placing their trust and confidence in the 737 MAX and, ultimately, in the people of Boeing and our deep commitment to quality and safety above all else."
