Boeing secured fresh commitments for up to 128 aircraft on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, with SMBC Aviation Capital ordering 100 737 MAX jets and Riyadh Air expanding its 787 Dreamliner fleet.
SMBC Aviation Capital ordered 60 737-10 and 40 737-8 aircraft, marking the lessor’s first purchase of the largest 737 MAX variant. The deal increases its owned, managed and committed 737 MAX portfolio to 450 aircraft.
Separately, Riyadh Air exercised options for 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners as part of its long-term expansion strategy. The agreement also includes the conversion of 20 aircraft to the larger 787-10 variant.
The announcement revealed a previously undisclosed purchase of 11 Dreamliners. Once the remaining 17 aircraft are finalised, Riyadh Air’s firm order book will total 67 787 Dreamliners.
The orders provide a significant boost for Boeing’s commercial aircraft business as manufacturers use the Farnborough Airshow to unveil major sales and fleet commitments.
