PARIS AIR SHOW, Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Tokyo-based Skymark Airlines (Skymark) today announced the airline's intent to select the Boeing 737 MAX, both will work to finalize a firm order in the coming months.

Shinichi Nishikubo, president and chief executive officer of Skymark Airlines  "We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Boeing and work together on the renewal of our single-aisle fleet,"

"The Next-Generation 737 has been a key driver of our successful growth, and we are sure that the 737 MAX will provide us with even greater efficiency and competitive edge as we move into the next stage of expansion." 

Based at its Haneda Airport hub in Tokyo, Skymark Airlines operates a fleet of 30 next-generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft on a lease from GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and other lessors.

John Wojick, senior vice president of sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, added: "Skymark is a pioneer in Japan's commercial aviation market as they continue to introduce new and innovative airplanes.

"Under Mr. Nishikubo's leadership, Skymark became the first airline in Japan to bring the innovative Boeing Sky Interior to the travelling public onboard its fleet of Next Generation 737-800 airplanes.  And now Skymark is poised to become Japan's first airline to enjoy the superior economic performance and environmental advantages of the 737 MAX."   

The Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft is powered by the CFM International LEAP-1B engines.