South Korean low-cost carrier Tway Air Co. said Thursday it has decided to add Boeing’s latest 737 MAX 8 to its fleet, a move anticipated to help the airline run long-haul flights.

The model is similar in size to the previous Boeing 737-800 but has longer range and is capable of flying up to eight hours. This will enable the budget carrier to add longer flights to popular destinations such as Singapore, Bali and Central Asia.

The plane is more eco-friendly compared to its previous models with an improved fuel efficiency of 20 percent. The new Boeing Sky interior would also deliver enhanced onboard comfort, the company said.

A Tway Air official said the airline is expecting to order up to eight Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes by late 2020. It plans to bolster its fleet to 50, including 10 jumbo jets, by 2025 to expand the scope of its passenger operations.

By Moon Ji-woong and Kim Hyo-jin

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]