SMBC Aviation Capital orders big from Boeing and Airbus

Airliner leasing specialist SMBC Aviation Capital has placed firm orders with both Boeing and Airbus on day one of the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.

The deal with Boeing was announced first and consisted of 100 737 Max jets, made up of 60 737 Max 10s and 40 Max 8s marking the first order for the large Max 10 variant by SMBC.

Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital said: “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,” adding “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. This order will support their growth ambitions well into the next decade and reflects our strong confidence in the Boeing 737 MAX and sustained demand for fuel-efficient, technologically advanced narrowbody aircraft.”

The Airbus order also was for 100 aircraft and made up of 65 A321neo and 35 A320neo airliners bringing the lessors backlog with the European OEM to almost 900 aircraft.

“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 Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital. “We are pleased to build on the deep partnership we have established with Airbus over the last 25 years, and this latest order reflects our confidence in the long-term demand for the A320neo family. Today’s announcement reflects SMBC Aviation Capital’s long-term commitment to supporting our airline customers, positioning us as the leading global aviation finance platform, ready to meet their ever-evolving needs.”

“Our partnership with SMBC Aviation Capital goes from strength to strength. We are honoured to stand with SMBC Aviation Capital as they place this order for additional A320neo family aircraft – the world’s most leased and most traded aircraft making it the benchmark for airlines, lessors and investors alike”, added Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “SMBC Aviation Capital’s investment reflects the global market appetite for the A320neo Family for the years to come as customers select the latest generation and most efficient aircraft to grow and renew fleets.”