Aircraft lessor SMBC Aviation Capital has ordered 14 Boeing 727-8s, expanding their 737 MAX portfolio to 121 jets. So far in 2021 Boeing has received over 250 orders and commitments for the fuel efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft.
On Tuesday (May 25, 2021), Boeing announced that they have received an order for 14 737-8 MAX jets from aircraft lessor SMBC Aviation Capital. The new order increases SMBC’s MAX portfolio to 121 jets and expands Boeing’s 2021 orders and commitments for the MAX to over 250. SMBC continues to incorporate the aircraft into their global fleet and during the first quarter delivered 13 737-8s to customers, including 11 airplanes to Southwest Airlines in the U.S. and two planes to TUI in Europe. Today’s SMBC Aviation Capital purchase follows recent orders and commitments from Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
In Tuesday’s announcement, SMBC Aviation Capital’s CEO, Peter Barrett, 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.”
Also commenting on the new MAX order, Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Ihssane Mounir added,
“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. 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 Boeing 737-8 MAX is a member of the 737 MAX family and has been designed to offer increased fuel efficiency, reliability and flexibility in the single-aisle jet market. The aircraft has a range of 3,550 nautical miles, an increase of about 600 miles versus its predecessor, and delivers a reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions of 16 percent.
Established in 2001, SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the world’s leading aircraft lessors and currently serves 85 airline customers in 36 countries. As of March 31, 2021, the company had an owned and managed portfolio of 496 aircraft. In 2012, SMBC was acquired by a consortium of two of Japan’s biggest companies, SMFG and Sumitomo Corporation.
Boeing (NYSE:BA) is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading supplier of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, as well as global services. The aerospace giant tops the list of the largest U.S. exporters, providing a significant positive impact to America’s annual GDP. Boeing supports government and commercial customers in over 150 countries and employs more than 160,000 team members worldwide. As Boeing continues to deliver for customers, they are committed to their legacy of aerospace leadership in technology and innovation and will continue investing in their people for future growth.
Source: Boeing