Air Senegal Commits to Nine Boeing 737 Max Jets in Largest-Ever Fleet Order

Boeing and Air Senegal announced on Nov. 17 that the West African carrier has committed to purchase nine Boeing 737 Max aircraft, marking its largest fleet order to date and its first Boeing order since 2004. The deal represents a major step in Air Senegal’s strategy to expand its regional and intercontinental services while modernizing its fleet for greater efficiency and sustainability.

With the introduction of the 737-8, Air Senegal plans to enhance connectivity between Dakar and key destinations in Europe, as well as launch new routes to the Middle East and the Americas. The advanced single-aisle jet will allow the airline to serve secondary European cities more directly, helping travelers save time by bypassing major hubs.

“This acquisition marks a major milestone for Air Senegal,” said Tidiane Ndiaye, Chief Executive Officer of Air Senegal. “This order is part of Air Senegal’s strategy to strengthen and modernize its fleet to support the expansion of its regional and intercontinental network while reinforcing Dakar’s position as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.”

The Boeing 737-8 can carry up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration and fly up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). The model offers 20% better fuel efficiency and 50% lower noise emissions compared to older aircraft, helping the airline reduce operating costs and environmental impact.

“We look forward to welcoming Air Senegal to the 737 Max family as they leverage the versatility, reliability, and advanced technology of the 737-8 to support their growth ambitions,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “We are committed to supporting the sustainable development of air travel in the region and partnering with Air Senegal to enhance their fleet and passenger experience.”

The 737-8 is ideally suited to meet Africa’s growing air travel demand, driven by economic development and a young, expanding population. According to Boeing’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook, African airlines are expected to require more than 1,200 new aircraft over the next 20 years, with single-aisle jets making up over 70% of future deliveries.

Air Senegal’s latest order underscores both the airline’s regional leadership ambitions and Boeing’s continued role in supporting the modernization of Africa’s aviation industry through fuel-efficient, next-generation aircraft.

Air Senegal’s current fleet, as of late 2025, according to the airline’s official fleet page:

Airbus A319-100: 2 in service
Airbus A321-200: 2 in service
Airbus A330-900neo: 2 in service
ATR 72-600: 2 in service
Airbus A220-300: 1 in service (with further on order)
Boeing 737-8: 9 on order

The airline has traditionally focused on operating Airbus and European-built aircraft, maintaining a fleet. However, Air Senegal has now shifted this trend by placing a landmark order for nine Boeing 737-8 Max jets—its first Boeing purchase since 2004. As mentioned in the lead story, this commitment marks a strategic expansion of the airline’s fleet diversification and signals its intent to integrate next-generation Boeing aircraft into future operations.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, boeing.com