TAROM WELCOMES FIRST BOEING 737 MAX, NAMED AFTER MIRCEA LUCESCU

Boeing, TAROM and CDB Aviation marked the delivery of TAROM’s first 737-8, the first Boeing 737 MAX to enter service in Romania, in a milestone for the national carrier’s fleet modernisation and long-term growth strategy. The aircraft is the first of two 737-8s leased from CDB Aviation to renew TAROM’s single-aisle fleet, which currently comprises four 737 Next-Generation jets; Boeing says the MAX cuts fuel use and carbon emissions by 20 percent compared with the aircraft it replaces. “The addition of the first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to the TAROM fleet is a pivotal moment in the company’s transformation process,” said Cristian Anghel, TAROM CEO. “Fleet renewal and efficient operational capacity are essential components of our restructuring plan, enabling us to achieve operational efficiency. By integrating this model into our fleet, TAROM offers its passengers a superior travel experience. This aircraft’s advanced technology and low environmental footprint align perfectly with our vision for sustainable operations and our commitment to maintaining a young, state-of-the-art fleet that connects Romania to the world.”

AN AIRCRAFT NAMED FOR A NATIONAL SPORTING FIGURE

TAROM has named the aircraft after Mircea Lucescu, the veteran Romanian football manager who currently coaches the national team. “The fact that the aircraft bears the name of Mircea Lucescu also adds a symbolic dimension. We are talking about performance, discipline, and trust, values that also define this new chapter for TAROM,” Anghel added. TAROM has previously named aircraft after other prominent Romanians, continuing a tradition of tying fleet milestones to national figures the public recognises. Gavan Daly, CDB Aviation’s Head of Commercial, EMEA, said: “We are delighted to support TAROM as it takes delivery of its first 737-8 and continues its fleet modernization strategy. This delivery underscores our long-standing partnership with Boeing and our commitment to providing TAROM with efficient, state-of-the-art aircraft that enhance operational performance and offer a better experience for passengers.” Mario Antonio Ebcim, Boeing sales director for Eurasia and India, said: “We are honored to see TAROM welcome the 737 MAX into service. This milestone reflects the trust the airline has in the 737 family and in our partnership as it charts its next chapter. We are continuing to deliver on our promise of safety, reliability and comfort to the more than 1 million passengers who fly on our airplanes every day.” Boeing’s 2026 Commercial Market Outlook projects that Eurasian airlines will need to expand their in-service fleet from about 6,800 aircraft today to nearly 11,000 by 2045, with single-aisle aircraft such as the 737 MAX expected to account for nearly 81 percent of newly delivered aircraft to the region.