Mauritanian carrier becomes the first in Africa to fly the newest version of the best-selling 737

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania, Dec. 21, 2017 — Boeing (NYSE:BA) and Mauritania Airlines International today celebrated the delivery of the airline’s new 737 MAX 8.  The Mauritanian carrier becomes the first operator of the new and improved airplane in Africa.

“We are proud to be the first carrier in Africa to operate the 737 MAX,” said Mohamed Radhi Bennahi, chief executive officer of Mauritania Airlines International. “The introduction of the 737 MAX into the growing Mauritanian fleet will help to profitably grow our network as we introduce new routes to Europe and the Middle East.”

The 737 MAX delivers the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market by incorporating the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, the Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays, and other improvements. The efficiency gains have helped make the MAX the fastest selling airplane in Boeing history with more than 4,000 orders to date from 92 customers worldwide.

“We are delighted that Mauritania Airlines International becomes the first operator of the MAX in Africa and I would like to thank everyone at the airline for their partnership and continued faith in the 737 program,” said Marty Bentrott, senior vice president sales for Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Russia & Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737 MAX will be a great addition to its fleet providing greater efficiency, range and passenger comfort to its operations.”

Founded in 2010, Mauritania Airlines International serves more than 10 destinations across Africa and Europe from its base at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport in Mauritania’s capital city of Nouakchott. The Mauritanian flag-carrier operates a fleet which includes one Next-Generation 737-800, one Next Generation 737-700, two 737-500s and now the 737 MAX 8.