SMBC Aviation Capital orders 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets at Farnborough Airshow

SMBC Aviation Capital has ordered 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, giving Boeing one of the biggest commercial wins on the first day of Farnborough International Airshow 2026. The deal comprises 60 737-10 and 40 737-8 jets, and is the lessor’s first order for the 737-10 variant. 

The order gives SMBC Aviation Capital the flexibility to expand its portfolio as airline demand for fuel-efficient narrowbodies continues to grow.

The announcement reflects continued confidence in the 737 MAX family, and comes after the manufacturer has gained FAA approval to raise its monthly production cap.

Boeing secures major Farnborough order on 1st day

The announcement comes as Boeing has sought to keep the focus of its Farnborough presence on execution and production stability. The SMBC Aviation Capital deal is among the airshow’s largest commercial aircraft announcements on the first day. 

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope said the order demonstrated confidence in the manufacturer’s best-selling narrowbody family. 

“This commitment, including SMBC’s first 737-10 order, reflects the strong demand we are seeing for the 737 MAX family’s efficiency, reliability and versatility,” Pope said in Boeing’s announcement. 

SMBC expands leasing portfolio

SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the world’s largest aircraft leasing companies, managing hundreds of aircraft placed with airlines globally. The latest order gives SMBC additional capacity to support airline customers facing long waiting times for new aircraft as both major manufacturers work through record order backlogs.

“This order reflects market dynamics as our airline and investor customers look to upgauge to the 737-10,” said Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital, in the announcement. “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.”

Demand for single-aisle aircraft remains strong, driven by continued growth in short- and medium-haul travel and the replacement of older, less efficient fleets.

Stable production remains Boeing’s priority

The order arrives as Boeing continues to increase 737 MAX production following regulatory approval earlier this year that allowed it to raise monthly output. 

The manufacturer has focused on addressing production issues since the FAA restricted output to 38 aircraft per month following the Alaska Airlines midair door-plug blowout. The FAA raised the production cap to 42 aircraft per month in October of last year and cleared Boeing to ramp up to 47 aircraft per month this May.  

Company executives have stressed that improving manufacturing stability and delivery performance remains their primary focus as they work through a substantial backlog of orders. 

Lessors have ordered 20% of 737 MAX backlog

For Boeing, the SMBC agreement reinforces the leasing sector’s importance in sustaining demand as airlines seek earlier delivery positions amid global aircraft production constraints.

“Lessors are increasingly looking to grow and diversify their single-aisle portfolios to provide airlines with more fuel-efficient jets capable of operating across a variety of route networks,” Boeing stated in the announcement. “Lessors have ordered more than 1,450 737 MAX jets, representing 20% of the 737 MAX backlog.”

The large first day announcement is also a boost to Boeing’s commercial aircraft campaign at the Farnborough International Airshow.