US Marshals Service shopping for a Boeing 737 aircraft

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS), Oklahoma City operational site, is seeking information from responsible sources and commercial agencies concerning the lease, with the option to purchase, one large transport turbine powered aircraft.

The primary mission of JPATS is the safe, secure and efficient transportation of federal and non-federal prisoners and the provision of aircraft and flight crew for the support of other operational missions. Additional mission assignments include international flights in support of foreign extraditions, witness security and enforcement operations, strategic deployment of USMS and Special Operations Group personnel and equipment and other special operations assigned by the USMS or U.S. Attorney General.

JPATS says a Boeing 737-700 or 737-800, transport category, narrow body, twin-engine jet aircraft will fit the lease requirement. The aircraft will be operated primarily from the JPATS Oklahoma City operational site but may at times, based on particular mission demands, operate from the JPATS Las Vegas operational site. The period of performance under the lease will be a base period: Oct. 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2022, with four Option Years. JPATS will have the option to purchase the aircraft at any time during the base period or the option years.

Based on current mission flying schedules, JPATS’ estimated utilization rate for the proposed aircraft is approximately 1,290 flight hours or 900 takeoffs and landings per year. “Flight Hour” by definition is “wheels off” during takeoff to “wheels on” during landing. The actual hours and cycles will vary due to scheduling demands. JPATS will pay a monthly firm-fixed price lease rate for the aircraft through the leasing period for unlimited use of the aircraft. If JPATS elects to purchase the aircraft (at a firm-fixed price) the monthly firm-fixed price lease rate will cease on effective date of the purchase.

This is a “dry” lease, which includes the aircraft, insurance, and heavy maintenance. JPATS has determined that only the Boeing 737-700 or the Boeing 737-800 will meet our unique mission requirements.

“A solicitation is being developed and a contract may or may not result,” U.S. Marshals Service officials said in contract documents released in October. Companies interested in responding to the request should contact the U.S. Marshals Service no later than Oct. 26.

Ryanair orders 25 737 MAX 8 planes

The Boeing Company and Ryanair announced Tuesday they finalized an order for 25 additional high-capacity 737 MAX 8 airplanes. The $3 billion order, at current list prices, was previously listed as unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.

This order will bringing Ryanair's firm order to 135 737 MAX 8s. “The aircraft has eight more seats than our current 189-seat Boeing 737-800NG and incorporates the latest technology engines and winglets which reduce fuel consumption and noise emissions,” said Neil Sorahan, chief financial officer, Ryanair. “We look forward to taking delivery of our first aircraft in spring 2019."

Ryanair launched the high-capacity 737 MAX 8 in late 2014 with an order for 100 airplanes, followed by an additional order for 10 airplanes at the 2017 Paris Air Show. The airplane will provide Ryanair with 197 seats, increasing revenue potential and delivering up to 14 percent lower fuel consumption than today's Next-Generation 737s.

The Dublin, Ireland-based carrier is the largest 737-800 customer in the world and the largest Boeing operator in Europe. Last month, Ryanair took delivery of its 500th Next-Generation 737-800 and has now ordered more than 650 Boeing airplanes.

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays and other features to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating almost 4,500 orders from 96 customers worldwide.