Boost for Boeing as British Airways owner backs grounded jet with 200-plane order

An aerial photo shows Boeing 737 MAX airplanes parked on the tarmac at the Boeing Factory in Renton, Washington, US. [Reuters]

Boeing won a major vote of confidence at the Paris Airshow on Tuesday as British Airways owner IAG signed a letter of intent to buy 200 of its 737 MAX jets that have been grounded since March after two deadly crashes.

News of the deal, worth more than $24 billion (Sh24 trn) at list prices, sent shockwaves around the world’s largest air show which had struggled to find its rhythm amid the 737 MAX crisis and concerns about an economic slowdown.