Boeing and BOC Aviation have announced a new, firm order for 50 737-8 jets, expanding the lessor’s 737 MAX portfolio to 215 737-8s and 737-9s. BOC Aviation will increase its Boeing order book to 139 unfilled orders it said and the lessor currently has 69 737 MAX airplanes on operating leases to more than 15 airlines worldwide.
“Our strong partnership with Boeing has led to this 50-aircraft order for the fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft. With this transaction, we have commitments to purchase over 140 of these aircraft, which is the largest Boeing orderbook position in our history,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BOC Aviation. “This order will enable us to continue providing our airline customers with technologically advanced aircraft for their future fleet growth.”
With single-aisle jets projected to account for 75% of global deliveries over the next 20 years, lessors are looking to build their order books to support airlines’ fleet growth plans and replace less-efficient older jets. To date, lessors have ordered more than 1,200 737 MAX jets as they seek to replace up to 300 Next-Generation 737s per year that are set to retire from passenger operations by the end of the decade.
“BOC Aviation’s latest investment in the 737-8 demonstrates the confidence lessors have in this airplane to meet continued air travel demand and improve fuel efficiency,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “The 737-8 is much sought after by airlines due to its unmatched versatility, generating significant operational savings because of lower fuel consumption.”
The 737-8, seating 162 to 210 passengers depending on configuration and with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km), is the market’s most versatile single-aisle airplane, capable of operating profitably on short- and medium-haul routes.
BOC Aviation orders 70 A320neo family aircraft
BOC Aviation also announced it has placed a firm order with Airbus for an additional 70 A320neo family aircraft. With this order, BOC Aviation’s backlog of aircraft to be delivered becomes the largest in its history with Airbus.
“This transaction will lift our remaining Airbus orderbook to around 200 aircraft and takes our total Airbus aircraft deliveries to over 700 (including purchase and leasebacks) since our first order in 1996,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BOC Aviation. “This order solidifies our position as one of the top five global aircraft operating lessors and provides us with a strong delivery pipeline into the next decade. We look forward to providing more airline customers with this popular fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft.”
Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business said, “This new major order by BOC Aviation, is a testament to its enduring confidence in the A320 family – the world’s most successful single-aisle aircraft. This significant investment makes BOC Aviation one of the largest Airbus customers and highlights the strong and continued market demand for our fuel-efficient aircraft and their long-term value. The A320 family delivers exceptional benefits to operators, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with BOC Aviation, providing airlines with cutting-edge fleet solutions.“
The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single aisle aircraft having won more than 19,000 orders globally. The Family includes the largest member, the A321neo offering unparalleled range and performance. The Family offers at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort with one of the widest single-aisle cabins in the sky. The A320 Family can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) today and up to 100% by 2030.
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