Air Senegal has ordered nine Boeing 737 MAX jets in what will be the carrier’s largest fleet purchase in more than 20 years, officials announced on Monday.
The signing took place during the Dubai Air Show in the presence of Senegal’s transport minister, Yankoba Diémé.
The order features the 737 8, which will join Air Senegal’s single aisle fleet as the airline plans wider service across Africa and new routes to Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.
Company officials said the aircraft will allow the carrier to reach secondary European cities and reduce travel times by avoiding connections through major hubs.
Air Senegal chief executive Tidiane Ndiaye said the purchase supports the company’s long term plan to modernize operations and expand its regional and intercontinental network.
He described the deal as a major step for the national airline and said it strengthens Dakar’s place as a leading hub in West Africa.
Ndiaye said the company aims to offer passengers a reliable and comfortable experience that reflects its sustainability targets.
Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, said Air Senegal will gain from the aircraft’s fuel efficiency and updated technology.
The 737 8 is built to carry up to 178 passengers and can fly about 3,500 nautical miles.
Boeing projects continued growth across Africa. Its 2025 Commercial Market Outlook estimates that airlines in the region will need more than 1,200 new aircraft over the next 20 years with most expected to be single aisle jets.
