Japanese-owned leasing firm SMBC Aviation Capital placed an order for 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on July 20, 2026, during the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow. This order, which brings SMBC’s MAX-family orderbook to 450 aircraft, includes a mix of 737-10 and 737-8s, with 60 and 40 aircraft of each version, respectively.
This is the first order that the leasing giant has placed for the 737-10, and it is also the single largest order for this Boeing 737 MAX version from a lessor.
“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,” stated Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital when announcing the order. “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.”
SMBC’s bet on the 737-10 reflects the fact that many airlines are up-gauging their narrowbody fleets in response to strong air travel demand around the world.