Boeing Secures 100-Jet 737 MAX Order From SMBC Aviation Capital

Published Jul 20, 2026, 6:04 AM EDT A graduate in German, Jake has a passion for history and regional aviation, and enjoys sampling new carriers and aircraft. He has visited OEM facilities as far and wide as Bristol, Toulouse, and Seattle, and recently enjoyed the milestone of flying his 150th sector as a passenger. Based in Norfolk, UK. * Last updated 06:30 AM EST July 20, 2026 by Jake Hardiman * SMBC Aviation Capital has made waves at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 with an order for 100 examples of the Boeing 737 MAX 10. The lessor has primarily committed to the stretched 737 MAX 10 model, with this variant making up 60 of the 100 firm orders. This represents the largest single order by a lessor for Boeing's biggest model from its next-generation narrowbody twinjet series. The remaining 40 aircraft in this order are examples of the popular Boeing 737 MAX 8 variant. All in all, today's deal sees SMBC's 737 MAX portfolio, in combined terms of owned, managed, and committed aircraft, grow to an impressive total of 450 jets. The lessor highlighted the 737 MAX 10's strong per-seat economics as a key pull factor, alongside strong market demand for larger aircraft. Plenty Of Interest In The MAX 10 Monday, July 20, 06:30 AM EST Credit: Shutterstock SMBC's new commitment to the Boeing 737 MAX 10 is reflective of wider market trends, with airlines increasingly favoring larger variants of narrowbody twinjet families. This has been most evident with the Airbus A320neo series, whereby the stretched A321neo makes up close to 8,000 of the family's 12,000+ orders. A key pull of the A321neo is the long-range abilities of the A321LR and XLR sub-variants. Simple Flying Quiz Think you really know Boeing? Answer 10 questions and put your knowledge to the test Simple Flying Quiz Think you really know Boeing? Answer 10 questions and put your knowledge to the test As far as the increasing popularity of the 737 MAX 10 goes, Boeing says that "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." With 4% annual passenger growth forecasted over the next 20 years, the MAX 10 will play a key role in serving this capacity as demand grows. A Strong Working Relationship Monday, July 20, 06:25 AM EST Credit: Simple Flying As seen in the photograph above, Barrett from SMBC was joined at this morning's signing ceremony by Stephanie Pope, who serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. She said that Boeing was "honored that the new and expanded team at SMBC continues to place its trust in Boeing and the 737 MAX family." According to SMBC, it already owns 69 MAX jets. Pope went on to say that "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." SMBC also services 148 MAX jets, and, before today's order, had commitments for another 133. With the 60 MAX 10s and 40 MAX 8s now added to its overall commitment, it now has a combined portfolio of 450 MAXs. However, SMBC's strong working relationship with Boeing extends beyond the 737 MAX series. Indeed, the Irish leasing specialist also owns 74 737-800s and services another 82 for a combined portfolio of 156, with smaller portfolios of the 737-700 (one owned) and the 737-900ER (two owned and two serviced). On the widebody side, various 777 and 787 variants are also part of the SMBC portfolio. SMBC's First MAX 10 Order Monday, July 20, 06:15 AM EST Credit: Shutterstock As well as being the single largest order by a lessor for the Boeing 737 MAX 10, SMBC's deal represents the first time that it has bought the MAX series' largest and highest-capacity variant. With this model making up the bulk of the new order, it is certainly a vote of confidence in the Boeing 737 MAX 10, and, indeed, larger and higher-capacity narrowbody twinjet aircraft on a general level. Indeed, these larger planes, once certified and in service, will, as SMBC Aviation Capital CEO Peter Barrett puts it, "support [airlines'] growth ambitions well into the next decade." Boeing is also confident that the MAX 10 suits SMBC, saying that it will help the leasing firm "meet strong market demand for larger single-aisle jets, diversify its asset mix and capture a new customer base." Barrett adds that: "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 MAX 10."