United Airlines and SMBC Aviation Capital have struck a purchase‑and‑leaseback for 20 Boeing 737 MAX 9s scheduled for delivery in late 2025 and across 2026. SMBC will buy the jets and immediately lease them back, deepening the lessor‑airline partnership and supporting United’s liquidity and fleet planning.
Discovered |
Briefing
The transaction covers 20 Boeing 737 MAX 9s due in late 2025 and through 2026, converting OEM deliveries into lease financing and affecting United’s near‑term narrowbody capacity.
The sale‑and‑leaseback boosts United’s liquidity and extends a long‑term relationship with SMBC — it is reported as the third major deal between the two companies.
Delivery timing should be considered alongside recent steps to increase MAX output, including the FAA’s clearance to raise 737 MAX production to 42/month (https://hype.aero/?story=5ff078fb-51e8-4f4d-b264-2a22c7bf1299) and Boeing’s guidance to suppliers on ramping MAX output (https://hype.aero/?story=c573c941-7c74-4188-90b8-bab80ab5de4f); Boeing’s order‑book updates provide additional context on demand and scheduling (https://hype.aero/?story=e48799cf-c88a-4856-bb12-a63cf3a01531).
Reported By
Hype groups these reports into one evolving story so you can compare coverage without losing the thread.
(NL) United Airlines knocks again at Chinese lessor • pilootenvliegtuig.nl
flyinginireland.com
• Alan Dwyer