SEATTLE, May 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA]
and SMBC Aviation Capital today announced the lessor is positioning
its portfolio for air traffic recovery by ordering 14 additional
737-8 jets, growing its 737 MAX portfolio. The new order comes as
airlines prepare for a robust return to air travel and modernize
their narrowbody fleets to reduce fuel use and carbon
emissions.
"We are pleased to have concluded an agreement with Boeing for
the purchase of 14 low-cost carrier configured 737 MAX aircraft
which is an aircraft we are seeing increased customer demand for
following its successful return to service," said Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation
Capital.
The new purchase builds SMBC Aviation Capital's 737 MAX
portfolio to 121 jets, expanding their investment in Boeing's
single-aisle family. SMBC Aviation Capital also continues to
incorporate new 737 MAX airplanes into the global fleet. In the
first quarter of 2021, the lessor delivered 13 737-8s to customers,
including 11 planes to Southwest Airlines in the U.S. and two
planes to TUI in Europe.
"SMBC has been actively managing its portfolio in a very dynamic
market. With this new order for the fuel-efficient 737-8, the
lessor is well positioned to help its customers capture domestic
travel demand in several countries and regions," said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of
Commercial Sales and Marketing. "We are honored by SMBC's trust in
the 737 family, and we look forward to partnering with them to
support airlines for the market recovery ahead."
The SMBC Aviation Capital purchase follows recent orders and
commitments from Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United
Airlines. The total number of gross orders and commitments for the
737 MAX this year now exceeds 250 airplanes.
A member of the 737 MAX family, the 737-8 is designed to offer
more fuel efficiency, reliability and flexibility in the
single-aisle market. The 737-8 can fly 3,550 nautical miles – about
600 miles farther than its predecessor – allowing airlines to offer
new and more direct routes for passengers. Compared to the
airplanes it replaces, the 737-8 also delivers superior efficiency,
reducing fuel use and CO2 emissions by 16% and also reducing
operating costs.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops,
manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products
and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a
top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global
supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and
community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating
for the future and living the company's core values of safety,
quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.
SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the world's leading aircraft
lessors, with 85 airline customers in 36 countries. At 31 March 2021, the company owns and manages 496
aircraft. Established in 2001, the company was acquired in 2012 by
a consortium comprising of two of Japan's biggest companies SMFG and Sumitomo
Corporation. For further information go to
https://www.smbc.aero/
Contact:
Dmitry
Krol
Boeing Communications
+1 (206) 661-2903
Dmitry.krol@boeing.com
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SOURCE Boeing