Begins the Switch to Boeing With Order for 50 737 MAX
Allegiant Air has confirmed its plans to make the jump to the Boeing 737 MAX, setting to rest rumors that the previously all-Airbus fleet would be bolstered and even replaced by the Boeing competition. The first purchase of 50 comes at an estimated $5.5 billion if made at list price. Rumors of the impending purchase made the rounds to notes of surprise among many, the airline industry generally of the opinion that changing horses midstream causes more trouble than it's worth. Wiping the slate clean and rebuilding the logistical ecosystems in place for a completely new aircraft brand and type is a tall order, and even the mixed-fleet approach brings its own host of challenges.