Boeing announced a firm order for 100 737 MAX aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital at the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK on July 20, 2026 [1, 2]. The deal includes 60 of the larger 737 MAX 10 jets and 40 MAX 8s [1, 2]. SMBC, based in Dublin and one of the world’s largest aircraft lessors, manages a fleet of roughly 1,700 planes and serves over 170 airlines globally [2]. Earlier this year, SMBC completed its acquisition of Air Lease Corp, elevating it to the second-largest lessor worldwide behind AerCap [1]. On the same day at Farnborough, SMBC also confirmed an order for 100 Airbus A320neo series jets, comprising 65 A321neos and 35 A320neos [3]. Boeing’s Head of Commercial Airplanes, Stephanie Pope, said the order "reflects the strong demand we are seeing for the 737 MAX family’s efficiency, reliability and versatility" [2]. Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital, noted the order "reflects market momentum" and supports growth ambitions for the next decade while showing confidence in the 737 MAX’s fuel-efficient technology [2]. Boeing faces production challenges and regulatory delays but is seeking to regain momentum following the FAA’s lifting of the 737 MAX production cap in October 2025, which has enabled higher output to meet orders [1, 2]. Separately, Saudi carrier Riyadh Air exercised options to purchase 28 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and converted 20 options to the largest variant, while also confirming six additional Airbus A350-1000 jets on July 20, 2026 [2]. The Farnborough announcements come as the aviation leasing market shifts with consolidation and increasing demand. The next major milestone will be the ongoing deliveries of 737 MAX jets to SMBC customers as Boeing ramps up production [1, 2].