Just as a proud parent loves to show off her or his children, Sunwing Airlines is celebrating delivery of their first brand-new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

The aircraft is the first of four new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft acquired by Sunwing, North America’s largest vertically integrated travel company, as part of a lease agreement concluded with Air Lease Corporation in late 2014. The $350 million deal also included the acquisition of two further Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The second Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft will be delivered the following week, with the remaining two 737 MAX planes anticipated to be delivered in 2019.

“The 737 MAX 8 aircraft is an integral part of Sunwing’s overall expansion plans across an increasing number of both Canadian and U.S. gateways and illustrates the evolution of the company,” said Mark Williams, President of Sunwing Airlines. “Sunwing may have increased in scale however what drove the company in the early 2000s is still central to our business today – in particular, the airline’s commitment to its passengers that when they travel with Sunwing, they travel with an award-winning airline and one of Canada’s most modern fleets.”

This newest 737 arrival brings the latest technology to the most popular jet aircraft of all time and will enable Sunwing to offer reliable, cost-effective and environmentally-conscious service – something that is paramount for the brand. A next-generation aircraft, the 737 MAX 8 is expected to reduce Sunwing’s carbon footprint even further. The MAX uses less fuel and reduces CO2 emissions by 20 per cent compared to the older aircraft that it replaces.

“Sunwing already flies one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient airplane fleets in Canada and now they take another leap forward with the Boeing 737 MAX, a new jet that can fly farther, use less fuel and provide greater passenger comfort,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Sales for The Americas. “Congratulations to the Sunwing team. We are confident their new MAX airplanes will bring more Canadians to and from exceptional vacations in the sun.”

John L. Plueger, Chief Executive Officer and President of Air Lease Corporation also welcomed the news adding, “ALC is delighted to be delivering the very first MAX 8 into Sunwing’s fleet. This state of the art, new aircraft will bring significantly expanded capability, efficiency, and environmental friendliness to Sunwing’s growing network, as well as usher in a new level of customer service and experience.”

Flying from the Boeing head office in Seattle, Washington, the delivery flight was piloted by Ron Henry, one of Sunwing’s first pilots, flying Canadians to and from their holidays since the company’s inception, and First Officer, Jessalyn Teed, a recent graduate hired through Sunwing’s cadet program in partnership with the University of Waterloo

The flight carried executives from Sunwing and select guests who were invited to experience the new aircraft’s aerodynamic design, elevated passenger comfort, mood lighting and sleek technology.