Japan’s Skymark Airlines to buy Boeing Max jets, list in Tokyo

Skymark Airlines Inc. plans to modernize its fleet by adding as many as 12 Boeing Co. 737 Max jets, while the once-bankrupt discount carrier will also list on the Tokyo Stock Exchange next month. 

The airline intends to order four Max aircraft and lease six more, it said in a joint statement with Boeing on Thursday. It will also have options to purchase an additional two planes, according to the statement, which didn’t provide a timeframe. 

Part-owned by Japan’s biggest carrier, ANA Holdings Inc., Skymark had sought to relist in 2019 after emerging from bankruptcy in 2016, but pulled its application due to the coronavirus pandemic. Private-equity owner Integral Corp., which assisted the carrier’s turnaround, will be among investors offering shares, Skymark said in a statement earlier Thursday.

Skymark operates a fleet of 29 older Boeing 737 NG aircraft. The order will be reflected in Boeing’s orders once it is finalized, according to Thursday’s joint statement.