Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Kazakhstan-based SCAT Airlines announced that the carrier will purchase five additional 737-9 aircraft and convert five previously ordered 737-8 jets to the larger 737-9 model.

The airline plans to use the 737-9 aircraft to expand its international route network, including flights to Europe. SCAT recently launched a Prague-Sanya service connecting the Czech Republic and China with a technical stop in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

"Converting five of the previously ordered 737-8s to 737-9s, together with the new firm order for five 737-9s, enhances our seating capacity per flight and will improve schedule reliability as we expand our international network," said Vladimir Denissov, president of JSC SCAT Airlines.

The 737-9 seats up to 220 passengers and has a range of up to 6,110 kilometers. Boeing states the 737 MAX family reduces fuel use by 20% compared to the aircraft it replaces.

SCAT Airlines operates from Shymkent, Kazakhstan, and maintains a fleet of nearly 40 Boeing aircraft. The carrier was the first in Central Asia to operate the 737 MAX and currently flies nine 737-8 and five 737-9 aircraft.

The announcement was made according to a Boeing press release. SCAT plans to use the larger fleet to operate what it describes as seventh-freedom routes from Central Asia across Europe and Asia.