Romania’s flag carrier TAROM has welcomed the first of nine new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, an integral part of the airline’s modernization and long-term growth strategy. The SkyTeam airline, which is the oldest carrier in Romania, plans to gradually replace its 737-700 aircraft with this new jet. A second new MAX 8 is expected to arrive later this month.

TAROM is expected to deploy this aircraft on routes from its home at Bucharest International Airport (OTP) to European capitals, and will deliver an enhanced customer experience when compared to its other aircraft. The new plane, which is the first of two through a lease with CDB Aviation, will see a reduction in fuel use and carbon emissions by around 20%.

A New Era For Romania’s Oldest Carrier

Credit: Boeing

Romanian carrier TAROM serves destinations across Europe and the Middle East with an all-narrowbody fleet. It has been part of the SkyTeam alliance since 2010, and the carrier is fully owned by the Romanian Government. It is one of the oldest airlines in Europe, with history for the carrier dating back as far as 1920 (meaning it’s over 106 years old).

The airline, at the beginning of this decade and in the wake of COVID-19, has undergone a significant restructuring program that has been crucial for the airline’s financial performance and survival. As part of this plan, a fleet renewal with modern aircraft is part of this reform. Cristian Anghel, TAROM CEO, explains:

“The addition of the first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to the TAROM fleet is a pivotal moment in the company’s transformation process. 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.”

Introducing Mircea Lucescu

Credit: TAROM

The new aircraft, which has been given the name Mircea Lucescu, is named after the professional Romanian football player and manager. Lucescu is known as one of the most successful footballers of the Romanian league and won seven titles with the Dinamo București club between 1964 and 1990. Lucescu died in April this year, aged 80. With the MAX 8 being named after Lucescu, there is a symbolic dimension, cornerstoned on discipline and trust.

Bearing registration YR-BGO, the new aircraft made its delivery flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on September 7. The flight operated as RO1915, leaving Seattle at 6:35 PM for an overnight flight to Iceland, where it touched down at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) at 9:40 AM the next day after a flight time of more than eight hours and five minutes.

Following the refueling stop in Iceland, the aircraft continued its delivery flight to Romania, departing at 11:12 for the four-hour and 38-minute journey across Europe, touching down in Bucharest at 6:51 PM on the evening of September 8. The aircraft has since rested on the grounds of Bucharest until September 12, when it did a 35-minute circle flight above Bucharest to celebrate the newly arrived aircraft.

TAROM’s Short-Haul Operations

Credit: Jaroslav Hruska | Shutterstock

As previously mentioned, TAROM operates an all-narrow-body fleet, made up of ATR and 737 families of aircraft. The airline is based at Otopeni, an airport around 10 miles (16 km) north of the city center.

Serving a total of 24 destinations, 20 in Europe, three in the Middle East and one in Africa, the direct competition is head-to-head with other major carriers, including Animawings, HiSky, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.

The new aircraft is expected to enter regular scheduled services in the coming weeks.