Boeing has received an order to supply 14 additional 737-8 jets to SMBC Aviation Capital as the latter prepares for the airline industry’s recovery after the pandemic.
SMBC, which leases jets to various airlines, has increased its 737 MAX portfolio to 121 jets with this new order. In Q1 2021, it leased a 13 Boeing 737-8s to Southwest Airlines and TUI, the company stated. SMBC is seeing increased customer demand from various airlines like Alaska Airlines and United Airlines with gross orders for 737-MAX from these companies exceeding 250 jets this year.
Boeing stated that the popularity of these single-aisle aircraft was due to their ability to reduce carbon emissions as well as at least 16pc of operating costs.