Boeing and Jeju Air have celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first direct-buy Next-Generation 737-800 airplane during a ceremony at the Seattle Delivery Centre.

With this delivery Jeju Air will become the first low-cost carrier in Korea to own and operate the aircraft type.

“This milestone delivery marks the beginning of a new era for Jeju Air as we continue to revolutionise Korea’s dynamic commercial aviation industry,” said Seok-Joo Lee, president of Jeju Air.

“Owning and operating our own airplanes will further differentiate Jeju Air and our local competitors.

“We are fully prepared to introduce this new airplane into our expanding fleet and they will play an integral role in our growth strategy.”

This delivery marks the first of three Next-Generation 737-800s the airline has on order with Boeing.

Based in Jeju Island, South Korea, the all-Boeing carrier currently operates a fleet of 34 Next-Generation 737-800 airplanes.

“We are proud to deliver the first directly purchased Next-Generation 737-800 to Jeju Air,” said Rick Anderson, vice president of north-east Asia sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“This milestone represents the strong partnership that we share with Jeju, whom we have shared an intimate partnership with since their inception more than ten years ago.

“I look forward to further strengthening our partnership with Jeju Air.”

Jeju Air currently serves 40 domestic and international routes with approximately 150 daily flights.