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SMBC Announces Purchase and Leaseback Agreements with United Airlines for 20 Boeing 737-9s

SMBC Aviation Capital has announced that they have entered purchase and leaseback agreements with United Airlines for 20 Boeing 737-9 MAX airplanes.


United Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX - Courtesy SMBC Aviation Capital/Boeing
United Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX - Courtesy SMBC Aviation Capital/Boeing

On Wednesday (December 10, 2025), SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the world’s leading aircraft leasing companies, announced that they have entered into agreements with United Airlines for the purchase and leaseback of 20 Boeing 737-9 MAX jets, which are scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026.  This transaction represents the third major deal between SMBC Aviation Capital and United Airlines in recent years.  It follows previous agreements covering the lease of 20 Airbus A321neo aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital’s orderbook, as well as a purchase and leaseback transaction for 20 Boeing 737-8 MAX airplanes. 


In Wednesday’s announcement, United Airlines’ Chief Financial Officer, Michael Leskinen, said,


“We appreciate the thoughtful approach SMBC Aviation Capital brought to structure a transaction that supports our fleet strategy and allows us to deliver even better experiences for our customers.  We value our strong, longstanding relationship with SMBC Aviation Capital and their role in our ongoing fleet modernization.” 


Also commenting on the transaction, SMBC Aviation Capital’s Chief Commercial Officer, Barry Flannery, said,


“We are delighted to expand our relationship with United Airlines.  These aircraft will play an important role in advancing United’s fleet strategy with the latest fuel-efficient aircraft.  This transaction reflects the deep trust and collaboration between our teams.  We look forward to building on our relationship and supporting United’s fleet ambitions for many years to come.”


Established in 2001, Dublin-based SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the world’s leading aircraft lessors and currently serves nearly 100 airline customers in 36 countries.  The company has an owned, managed and committed portfolio of over 1,000 aircraft and focuses on technologically advanced fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft types, with 73 percent new technology aircraft.  In 2012, SMBC was acquired by a consortium of two of Japan’s biggest companies, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG) and Sumitomo Corporation.


 

Source: SMBC Aviation Capital

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