Lessor SMBC Aviation Capital Places Record 100-Jet Boeing 737 MAX Order in 2026

Global – SMBC Aviation Capital, the Dublin-headquartered global aviation finance platform and aircraft lessor, has ordered 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft — comprising 60 737-10 and 40 737-8 jets — including its first-ever 737-10 purchase, in a deal announced at the Farnborough International Airshow on 20 July 2026.

• The agreement comprises:
  • 60 Boeing 737-10 aircraft.
  • 40 Boeing 737-8 aircraft.
• The transaction is SMBC Aviation Capital’s first direct order for the 737-10 and represents the largest order for the variant placed by an aircraft lessor.
• The order increases SMBC Aviation Capital’s owned, serviced and committed 737 MAX portfolio from 350 to 450 aircraft.
• The 737-10 can accommodate up to 230 passengers and has a published range of 3,100 nautical miles. SMBC said airline and investor customers are seeking the larger variant to increase capacity on single-aisle routes.
• The 737-10 remains in certification. Boeing reported on July 16 that certification flight testing was 98% complete, with development-assurance reviews and system-safety submissions among the remaining activities.
• Boeing positions the 737 MAX as a single aircraft family that allows airlines to share pilots, cabin crew, maintenance personnel, facilities and training resources across variants.
• Lessors have ordered more than 1,450 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, representing approximately 20% of the program’s backlog.

Statements

• "This transaction represents a significant milestone for SMBC Aviation Capital and will ensure our airline customers have access to a long-term pipeline of new technology aircraft. Our partnership with Boeing spans over two decades and this order reflects market dynamics as our airline and investor customers look to upgauge to the 737-10. This order will support their growth ambitions well into the next decade and reflects our strong confidence in the Boeing 737 MAX and sustained demand for fuel-efficient, technologically advanced narrowbody aircraft," said Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital.

About SMBC Aviation Capital
SMBC Aviation Capital is a Dublin-headquartered aircraft leasing and aviation finance company backed by Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Corporation. It services approximately 1,700 owned, managed and committed aircraft for more than 170 airline customers. Its owned portfolio comprises approximately 80% new-technology aircraft by net book value. Before the latest order, its 737 MAX portfolio included 69 owned, 148 serviced and 133 committed aircraft.

Source: Boeing