FlySafair expands fleet with lease of Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 737-800 aircraft from AerCap
November 18, 2025
AerCap has signed lease agreements with FlySafair for five Boeing narrowbodies, adding both current-generation and future-generation aircraft to the South African carrier’s fleet.
The announcement was made at the Dubai Airshow, where the companies confirmed that FlySafair will take three 737 MAX 8s and two 737-800NGs.
The MAX aircraft are scheduled to arrive from early 2028, while the two 737-800s are planned for delivery beginning in the third quarter of 2026. The mix gives FlySafair a staggered introduction of additional capacity while allowing time to prepare for its first operations with the 737 MAX family.
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Airline prepares for long-term fleet renewal
FlySafair has relied almost entirely on the 737-800NG for its domestic and regional network, operating more than 35 aircraft across ten South African airports and several short-haul international routes.
The MAX 8s will be the first of the type to join the airline, marking a notable shift in its long-term fleet planning.
Kirby Gordon, FlySafair’s chief marketing officer, said the decision supports the airline’s next phase of growth. “We’re thrilled to embark on this next stage of our fleet development with AerCap as we introduce the Boeing 737 MAX to our operations. This partnership represents a meaningful investment in efficiency, sustainability, and passenger experience,” he said.
The airline has expanded steadily since its launch in 2014, adding routes within South Africa and to neighbouring countries.
While it operates under its own brand today, Safair’s earlier work involved flying on behalf of other domestic and international carriers under short-term contracts.
The business has gradually shifted from that model as FlySafair’s low-cost network has matured.
AerCap adds a new customer relationship
AerCap, one of the world’s largest aircraft leasing companies, will place all five aircraft with FlySafair.
Peter Anderson, the lessor’s chief commercial officer, said the agreement represents the start of a new partnership. “We are very pleased to welcome FlySafair as a new customer to AerCap, and to support their fleet modernisation plan,” he said.
“We thank the team at FlySafair for their partnership and wish them every success as they expand their network to meet growing customer demand.”
The Dublin-based lessor serves around 300 customers worldwide and manages one of the industry’s largest aircraft order books, with offices spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.
Boeing highlights growing MAX operator base
Boeing also noted the significance of FlySafair joining the group of airlines choosing the MAX family.
Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ vice-president for sales and marketing in Africa, said the aircraft will support FlySafair’s operational needs as the market develops.
“The addition of three 737 MAX aircraft marks a significant step in FlySafair’s fleet modernisation journey, enabling them to enhance operational efficiency and meet growing demand for air travel,” he said.
“With this agreement, FlySafair will join the more than 80 airlines that fly the 737 MAX to destinations around the world.”
The five leased aircraft will take FlySafair’s fleet beyond its current 37-aircraft total and provide flexibility for both replacement and expansion as demand patterns shift over the coming years.
Featured image: Bob Adams / Wikimedia Commons
