Boeing and SMBC Aviation Capital have announced an order for an additional 14 737-8 jets, positioning the lessor’s portfolio for air traffic recovery.

The order comes as airlines prepare for a robust return to air travel and modernisation of their narrowbody fleets to reduce fuel use and carbon emissions.

Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital, said: “We are pleased to have concluded an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 14 low-cost carrier configured 737 MAX aircraft which is an aircraft we are seeing increased customer demand for following its successful return to service.”

Order takes lessor’s 737 MAX portfolio to 121 jets

The new purchase builds SMBC Aviation Capital’s 737 MAX portfolio to 121 jets, expanding their investment in Boeing’s single-aisle family. SMBC Aviation Capital also continues to incorporate new 737 MAX aircraft into the global fleet. In the first quarter of 2021, the lessor delivered 13 737-8s to customers, including 11 planes to Southwest Airlines in the US and two planes to TUI in Europe.

“SMBC has been actively managing its portfolio in a very dynamic market. With this new order for the fuel-efficient 737-8, the lessor is well positioned to help its customers capture domestic travel demand in several countries and regions,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “We are honored by SMBC’s trust in the 737 family, and we look forward to partnering with them to support airlines for the market recovery ahead.”

The SMBC Aviation Capital purchase follows recent orders and commitments from Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. The total number of gross orders and commitments for the 737 MAX this year now exceeds 250 aircraft.

The 737-8 is designed to offer more fuel efficiency, reliability and flexibility in the single-aisle market. The 737-8 can fly 3,550 nautical miles – about 600 miles farther than its predecessor – allowing airlines to offer new and more direct routes for passengers. The 737-8 also reducing fuel use and CO2 emissions by 16 per cent as well as decreasing operating costs.

 

 
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