SMBC Aviation Capital has placed an order for 100 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, hours after announcing a separate purchase of100 Boeing 737 MAX jets at the Farnborough International Airshow.
The Airbus agreement covers 65 A321neos and 35 A320neos, matching the size of the Boeing order but favoring the larger variant of Airbus’ single-aisle family.
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July 20, 2026
Together, the two transactions add 200 narrowbody aircraft to SMBC Aviation Capital’s orderbook in one of the largest commitments announced by a leasing company in recent years.
The Boeing agreement includes 60 737-10s and 40 737-8s. Like the A321neo, the 737-10 targets the upper end of the single-aisle market, although Airbus has maintained a substantial lead in that segment thanks to the A321neo’s popularity among airlines worldwide.
SMBC Aviation Capital already ranks among Airbus’ largest customers. Including commitments placed through its parent company, Sumitomo Corporation, the group has accumulated more than 900 Airbus aircraft orders across multiple programs.
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Aircraft lessors have become increasingly influential buyers for both Airbus and Boeing, purchasing aircraft years before delivery and leasing them to airlines around the world. The strategy allows carriers to expand or renew fleets without committing to large direct aircraft purchases, while giving manufacturers a steady pipeline of long-term orders.
