Boeing did what it could to snap the airshow’s airliner order drought in Dubai on Monday by revealing India’s Jet Airways as the customer for a previous deal covering seventy-five 737 MAX 8s. The announcement marks the largest order in Jet Airways’ history and includes conversions of 25 Next-Generation 737s to 737 MAX 8s, as well as options and purchase rights for an additional 50 aircraft.

“Incorporating the latest design and technology features, the highly efficient 737 MAX will allow us to drive our operational efficiency and reaffirms our commitment to providing a best-in-class full service travel experience to our guests,” said Naresh Goyal, chairman of Jet Airways. “This order is an endorsement of our confidence in the long-term prospects of the Indian aviation sector, which reflects the positive forecast for the country's economy and offers tremendous potential for growth and development.”

Appearing with Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Ray Conner during a signing ceremony, Goyal noted that India’s economy continues to grow at a rate of more than 6 percent a year, notwithstanding mixed indicators.

“I’m not here to give any political speech,” said Goyal. “We all know what is happening in India. People say India’s economy is not growing…We’re still growing at six and a half percent. If it was growing in France and Germany everybody would be dancing on the floor.

“Boeing is proud that Jet Airways will be the first airline in India to take delivery of the 737 MAX,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner. “The 737 MAX will bring new standards for fuel efficiency and economics, and a premium passenger experience to Jet Airways.”

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

The new single-aisle airplane will deliver 20 percent lower fuel use than the first Next-Generation 737s and the lowest operating costs in its class–8 percent per seat less than its nearest competitor.