Boeing Inks New Max Deal with SMBC Aviation Capital

Boeing secured its second significant 737 Max order in as many weeks by inking a new deal with SMBC Aviation Capital covering 14 additional 737 Max 8 jets, the companies said Tuesday. The purchase increases the size of SMBC’s 737 Max portfolio to 121 jets as the lessor continues to incorporate Boeing narrowbodies into the global fleet. In the first quarter of 2021, SMBC delivered thirteen 737 Max 8s to two customers—Southwest Airlines, which took 11, and TUI, which accepted two.

"SMBC has been actively managing its portfolio in a very dynamic market,” said Boeing vice president of commercial sales and marketing Ihssane Mounir. “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.”

The SMBC purchase follows recent orders and commitments from Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Boeing says orders and commitments this year for the Max have exceeded 250 airplanes.