Airbus, Boeing Begin FIA with Orders for Hundreds of Aircraft

The 2026 edition of the Farnborough International Airshow opened with a bonanza of orders on day one as both Airbus and Boeing staged signings and announced orders for hundreds of narrowbody and widebody airliners.

Financier SMBC Aviation Capital is padding out its portfolio, ordering 200 aircraft in total from Airbus and Boeing, while new Saudi Arabian national carrier Riyadh Air is taking steps to shore up its nascent fleet through orders and the exercise of options that amounted to 34 aircraft. Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines committed to order up to 20 more aircraft. In sum, these deals could combine for a potential value of upwards of $40 billion, based on publicly available list prices.

SMBC Builds Up Airbus, Boeing Fleet

SMBC Aviation Capital signed a deal later on Monday for another 100 Airbus narrowbody aircraft, including 65 Airbus A321s and 35 A320s.

“This significant new order will give our airline customers access to a continuous delivery pipeline of the latest technology A320neo family aircraft into the mid-2030s,” said SMBC Aviation Capital CEO Peter Barrett.

Noting its 25-year relationship with Airbus, Barrett added, “Today’s announcement reflects SMBC Aviation Capital’s long-term commitment to supporting our airline customers.” He noted that he anticipates taking delivery of the aircraft beginning in 2030.

SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the largest customers for the A320 family, Airbus noted, and added that together with parent company Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC Aviation accounts for more than 900 commitments for all Airbus aircraft types.

Meanwhile, the lessor signed a deal for 100 Boeing 737 Max airplanes, calling for 60 of the Max 10 variant and 40 of the Max 8 single-aisles. The order marks the aviation financier’s first for the Max 10, the highest-capacity variant of the Max family at 230 seats.

Overall, the deal brings SMBC Aviation Capital’s fleet of owned, managed, and committed Boeing Max airliners to 450. It represents a potential value upwards of $13 billion, based on publicly available list prices.

“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,” said SMBC’s Barrett. “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.” He said the order supports the company’s plans for growth into the next decade.

The latest contract comes as global passenger traffic is forecast to grow 4% annually over the next two decades, Boeing noted, adding that lessors have collectively ordered more than 1,450 of the 737 Max jets, representing 20% of the family’s total backlog.

Riyadh’s Growing Fleets

Also on Monday, Riyadh Air exercised options for 28 more Boeing 787 widebodies, including converting 20 for the larger 787-10 variant, and placed new orders for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

The Boeing announcement included a previously unidentified purchase of 11 of the 787. Under the latest commitments and including existing orders, Riyadh Air’s 787 fleet is set to grow to 67. Riyadh Air’s current 787 fleet is at six.

“The commitment to firm up an additional twenty-eight 787 Dreamliners and introduce the 787-10 marks another significant milestone in Riyadh Air’s journey to serve over 100 international destinations by 2030, a key part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions,” said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. Adding the -10 to its -9 fleet, he continued, strengthens the airline’s ability to accommodate passenger and cargo demand.

The Airbus order, meanwhile, increases Riyadh Air’s commitment for the A350-1000 to 31 aircraft and is part of a 2025 agreement for up to 50.

“The firm-up of these additional aircraft reflects Riyadh Air’s continued confidence in its growth trajectory and in the future of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.”

Wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air was founded in March 2023 and is expected to contribute more than $20 billion to GDP growth by 2030.

Philippine Bets Big on Dreamliners

Boeing continues to expand its 787 Dreamliner orderbook under a deal with Philippine Airlines for up to 20 aircraft. That deal includes a firm order for fifteen 787-10s and options for another five as the airline modernizes and expands its fleet.

“The Boeing 787-10 will strengthen our medium- and long-haul fleet, allowing us to provide an even better travel experience for our customers while improving operational efficiency and supporting our long-term sustainability goals,” said Lucio C. Tan III, president and chief operating officer of PAL Holdings. Philippine Airlines, which Tan noted is Asia’s first and longest-serving airline, is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year and its 80-year relationship with Boeing.