It’s Boeing’s largest commercial airplane order ever, as measured by both the number of planes and by the published dollar value.

Lion Air, a large private carrier in Indonesia, ordered a total of 230 airplanes. That includes 201 of the Boeing 737 “MAX”  with more fuel efficient engines, and and 29 current  “Next Generation” models for extended range 737-900s. The order was announced Thursday by the White House, as part of President Barack Obama’s trip to Bali, Indonesia.

The airplanes have a list price of $21.7 billion.   But most carriers receive discounts.  Lion Air has options for 150 more, valued at another $14 billion. The deal’s total potential value is $35 billion.

Officially, Boeing says these are commitments for orders, as contracts are not yet signed.

Following the Lion air commitment, the 737-Max received the first order from a leasing company, Avaition Capital Group based in New Port Beach, California.  AGC is taking 35 737 Max airplanes and 20 Next Generation 787-800s.   Boeing is now has over 700 commitments for the 737-Max.

All this adds to Boeing’s 737 future.  The  backlog which officially stands at 2,191 jets and does not include any commitments for the Max.

Right now, Boeing is already starting to ramp up to building a record 42 737s a month.  The Renton assembly line is still building 31.5 planes a month, but in recent weeks the wing line started ramping up to 35 airplanes per month, eventually boeing will hit 42 a month in early 2014.

To get there, Boeing has teams in place to make building the jet more efficient.

 

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