Mauritania Airlines International achieved an impressive milestone this past week, becoming the first African carrier to take delivery of the latest Boeing 737 airplane.
On Friday, 22 Dec. the Mauritanian operator received the new Boeing 737 MAX 8, according to DiversityInc.
The updated 737 model features state-of-the-art technology and a new internal design which includes modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting to enhance spaciousness and larger pivoting overhead stowage bins.
The fastest-selling airplane in Boeing’s history saw over 4,000 orders from 92 customers, with Mauritania Airlines International being the only customer in Africa this year, according to Boeing.
The all-Boeing 737 carrier serves over 10 destinations in Africa and Europe from a base of operations at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport in Mauritania’s capital of Nouakchott.
Mohamed Radhi Bennahi, chief executive officer of Mauritania Airlines International, expressed his delight at the carrier’s growing fleet and impressive milestone.
“We are proud to be the first carrier in Africa to operate the 737 MAX,” said Bennahi, according to AirlinerWatch.
“The introduction of the 737 MAX into the growing Mauritanian fleet will help to profitably grow our network as we introduce new routes to Europe and the Middle East,” he said.
Along with the new Boeing 737 MAX 8, Mauritanian airline operates a fleet which includes one Next-Generation 737-800, one Next Generation 737-700 and two 737-500s.
Marty Bentrott, senior vice president sales for Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Russia & Central Asia at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, explained the excellent addition of the 737 MAX for the African carrier.
“We are delighted that Mauritania Airlines International becomes the first operator of the MAX in Africa and I would like to thank everyone at the airline for their partnership and continued faith in the 737 program,” said Bentrott, according to AirwaysMag.
“The 737 MAX will be a great addition to its fleet providing greater efficiency, range and passenger comfort to its operations,” he said.
While Mauritania Airlines International became the first carrier to receive the new Boeing model, Ethiopian Airlines announced an order for 20 737 MAX 8s in 2014. The order is worth more than $2.1 billion, according to DefenceWeb.
