Boeing 737 MAX 8 joins Sunwing Fleet; inaugural flight Seattle-Toronto brings first of four aircraft home 

TORONTO, May 25, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sunwing Airlines today announced the 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 North America's largest vertically integrated travel company as part of a lease agreement concluded with Air Lease Corporation (NYSE:AL) 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."

"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." 

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% compared to the older aircraft that it replaces.

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 media guests who were invited to experience the new aircraft's aerodynamic design, elevated passenger comfort, mood lighting and sleek technology.

Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from 33 gateways across Canada to over 45 popular sun destinations.  All Sunwing packages include return flights on Sunwing Airlines where passengers can sit back and relax on board with award-winning inflight service that includes a sparkling wine toast, complimentary non-alcoholic beverage service and buy on board selection of light meals and snacks with choices inspired by Food Network Canada Celebrity Chef, Lynn Crawford. Passengers also benefit from a generous complimentary 23kg checked luggage allowance.

To book your next vacation, visit www.sunwing.ca or contact your travel agent.

About Sunwing

As the #1 to the sun and North America's largest vertically integrated travel company, Sunwing has more flights to the south than any other leisure carrier with convenient direct service from over 33 airports across Canada to over 45 popular sun destinations. This scale enables Sunwing to negotiate the best deals and exclusive offers at all of the top-rated resorts across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Renowned for its award-winning service, Sunwing is consistently voted the #1 leisure airline by travel agents and is the perennial winner of the Consumer Choice Award. Customers can look forward to starting their vacation off in style with award-winning inflight service, which features a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, tea and coffee and non-alcoholic beverage service; together with a buy on board menu of light meals and snacks (including kids' choices) inspired by Food Network Canada Celebrity Chef, Lynn Crawford. Sunwing customers also benefit from the assistance of the company's own knowledgeable destination representatives, who greet them upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey.

The Boeing Company

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense, space and security systems, and service provider of aftermarket support. As America's biggest manufacturing exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training.

Boeing 737 MAX

Boeing's newest family of single-aisle airplanes is the 737 MAX. Each variant ? the 737 MAX 7, 737 MAX 8, 737 MAX 9 and 737 MAX 10 ? is designed to offer customers exceptional performance, reliability and efficiency, with lower seat-mile costs and an extended range that will open up new destinations in the single-aisle market. With more than 4,500 orders from nearly 100 customers worldwide, the 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history.

About Air Lease Corporation

ALC is a leading aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. For more information, visit ALC's website at www.airleasecorp.com.

For all media enquiries, please contact:

Rachel Goldrick
Senior Corporate Communications Manager
Sunwing Vacations
1-800-387-5602
[email protected]

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1bddcac5-7dc5-4391-b7a6-d03e94870e3c