CIT, Boeing Announce Order for 30 737 MAX 8s

"The addition of these Boeing 737 MAX 8s ensures that CIT Aerospace maintains one of the youngest and most fuel efficient fleets," said C. Jeffrey Knittel, President of CIT Transportation Finance. "As a leading aircraft lessor, we continually strive to provide our customers with the most technologically advanced aircraft. The Boeing MAX provides the fuel burn improvement and lower seat mile cost that our customers demand to run their airlines with optimal efficiency."

The 737 MAX brings the most advanced engine technologies to the world's best-selling airplane, building on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. According to Boeing calculations, airlines operating the 737 MAX will see a 13 percent fuel-use improvement over today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplanes and an 8 percent operating cost per seat advantage over tomorrow's competition.

"CIT is one of the leading lessors in the industry and this order demonstrates its confidence in the capabilities of the 737 MAX," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "The CIT leadership team recognizes the value the 737 MAX offers for its airline customers. The 737 MAX is on the leading edge of passenger comfort, fuel efficiency and reliability."

As of March 31, 2013, CIT owned or financed a fleet of approximately 350 commercial aircraft, including operating lease and financing agreements in place for 128 Boeing aircraft. With this new order, the company now has a total order book of 164 aircraft including Next-Generation 737s and 787 Dreamliners.