ANA has ordered 20 of the 737-8 variant of the Max, with an option for a further 10. The order was firmed up at the Farnborough Airshow on Monday (18 July).

The carrier said the Max would allow it to optimise its fleet, reduce fuel use and carbon emissions by 20%, and noise by 50% compared with the aircraft it replaces.

The Max has been subject to intense scrutiny in recent years following two fatal crashes, killing 346 people – the first in October 2018 and a second in March 2019.

It has since been cleared to return to service after a series of modifications and updates by Boeing, and approval by major international aviation bodies.

"More than 40 airlines globally are operating the 737 Max, which has made more than 680,000 revenue flights totalling nearly 1.7 million flight hours since late 2020," said ANA.

"The efficiency, reliability and range capability of the 737 MAX make it an ideal airplane to refresh our narrow-body fleet and provide our passengers with the highest level of comfort onboard," said Koji Shibata, president and chief executive of ANA Holdings.

Stan Deal, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, added: "This is a tremendous milestone for ANA and Boeing. ANA has remained at the forefront of commercial aviation by consistently investing in the latest airplane technology, providing their passengers with an unparalleled flying experience and more sustainable options to travel and deliver goods around the globe."

ANA has also converted two orders for Boeing 777-9 passenger jets to orders for 777-8 freighters.