Airplane lessor SMBC Aviation Capital is ordering 25 737-8s from Boeing. The new order increases SMBC’s backlog to 81 737 MAX jets focused on the successful 737-8.
With travel demand surging around the globe, lessors are looking to increase their single-aisle portfolios to provide airlines with more fuel-efficient jets capable of operating across various route networks.
“As one of the industry’s leading airplane lessors, SMBC’s decision to increase its 737 MAX backlog with an order for 25 737-8s shows its confidence in the value the airplane brings to its airline customers,” said Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 737-8’s incredible versatility and unrivalled fuel-efficiency makes it a key asset for the leasing community in its drive to help airlines achieve sustainability and efficiency goals.”
The 737-8 seats 162 to 210 passengers depending on configuration with a range of 3,500 nautical miles and operates profitably on short- and medium-haul routes.