Belarussian flag carrier Belavia has finalised a deal with Boeing to acquire new 737-800 jets.

Under the purchase agreement, the airframer will supply three newly-built -800 models with combined value of $272 million at list prices. They will complement Belavia's six 737 -500 and nine -300 variants.

Acquiring longer-range 737s will enable the carrier to further broaden its reach beyond Europe and the Middle East, says general manager Anatoly Gusarov.

In particular, Belavia plans to deploy them on new scheduled routes from Minsk to Tenerife and Dubai.

Boeing is also considering opening a facility in Minsk to provide technical support for Belavia's growing fleet of the 737 twinjets. "We'll study a business case for that together with Belavia," says Marty Bentrott, vice-president of sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Belavia's Gusarov says the two sides have discussed the matter with the local government and agreed to prepare a joint proposal for the project.

Source: Cirium Dashboard