Boeing 737 Max planes: After deadly crashes, aviation major signs first deal in Paris Air Show

Boeing is selling its 737 Max planes again. The company announced at the Paris Air Show on Tuesday that International Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways and other carriers, signed a letter of intent for 200 Boeing 737 aircraft. Boeing said it’s the first sale of the jetliner since the crash of an Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max in March. Another 737 Max crashed in Indonesia last year. All planes of the same model are now grounded amid an investigation of problematic software. The letter of intent is subject to final agreement, but is a vote of confidence in Boeing as it struggles to win back trust from airlines, pilots, regulators and the traveling public.

The combination of 737-Max 8 and 737-Max 10 planes would cost USD 24 billion at list prices, though companies usually strike deals for discounts. The planes would be delivered between 2023 and 2027 to airlines owned by IAG. IAG expressed optimism that regulators will allow amended Max jets to fly again soon. But it’s unclear when that will be, notably for regulators outside the U.S.