Boeing Scores New 737 MAX Order

On the second day of the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, Boeing broke a stream of Airbus announcements by unveiling a new deal for its 737 MAX.

The purchase comes from Macquarie AirFinance and includes 20 737-8s. The deal is firm and a significant boost for Boeing.

Deliveries are scheduled to occur between 2029 and 2030, with the role of Macquarie being a leader in the aviation industry for leasing.

The continued expansion and renewal of our fleet underscores our confidence in the strong future growth prospects of global commercial air transport. This order increases our existing OEM order book to 86 firm aircraft and will enable our airline partners to access the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.

Eamonn Bane, CEO of Macquarie AirFinance.

The purchase comes in the same year as Macquarie announced it would acquire a portfolio for USD 1.1 billion, including 23 aircraft from Aviation Lease and Finance Company K.S.C.P.

Most notably, however, the aircraft selected was the 737 MAX and today’s commitment reaffirms the lessor’s stance that this is an in-demand aircraft.

Macquarie AirFinance has clarified that it wants to develop its fleet further and implement next-gen types. Ultimately, the 737 MAX will lower the business’s carbon emission intensity.

Thanks to the latest commitment, the portfolio will include more than 300 aircraft (including units on order) spread across almost 100 airlines across just shy of 50 countries.

Macquarie further noted in February 2024 that it has a firm orderbook of 66 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing. The newest deal means the order book now reaches some 80 units.

This backlog will prove essential as more companies turn to the leasing market to fulfil their capacity needs, as manufacturers face limited delivery slots.