As airlines adjust to the return to air travel, SMBC Aviation Capital (SMBC) has confirmed it has ordered 14 further 737-8 jets from Boing Co.
“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,” said Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital.
Including these 14 jets, SMBCs portfolio of MAX-family jets has been extended to 121 aircraft. The 737-8, a 737MAX variant, is proving a popular choice with carriers as a single-aisle jet which reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by up to 16%, as well as lowering operating costs. In the first quarter of 2021, SMBC delivered 13 of the 737-8 variant to customers, including 11 to Southwest Airlines in the U.S. and two 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. According to Boeing, this SMBC purchase follows recent orders and commitments from Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, with the total number of gross orders and commitments for 737 MAX-family aircraft this year now above 250 airplanes.
