Boeing and Macquarie AirFinance Strengthen Partnership with Order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft
Boeing and Macquarie AirFinance have announced a significant expansion of their collaboration, with the global aircraft leasing company placing an additional order for 30 Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The deal, originally recorded in July as “unidentified” on Boeing’s official Orders & Deliveries website, highlights Macquarie AirFinance’s growing commitment to the 737 MAX family and reinforces the model’s importance in the global single-aisle market.
This new order raises Macquarie AirFinance’s total commitment to 70 aircraft from the 737 MAX portfolio. The investment further strengthens the lessor’s position as a leading provider of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to its airline customers worldwide. The 737 MAX, known for its versatility and cost-effectiveness, continues to be one of the most sought-after aircraft in the leasing sector. Approximately 30% of all financed commercial airplanes globally belong to the 737 family, underscoring its central role in airline fleet strategies and leasing companies’ portfolios.
Driving Growth and Sustainability
For Macquarie AirFinance, the latest order marks a milestone in its long-term growth trajectory. Eamonn Bane, Chief Executive Officer of Macquarie AirFinance, emphasized how the decision aligns with the company’s strategy of providing its airline clients with sustainable, flexible, and competitive fleet solutions.
“This incremental order marks another milestone in our company’s growth strategy,” said Bane. “The Boeing 737 MAX offers exceptional fuel efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort, making it an ideal choice for our airline customers worldwide. By expanding our fleet with these state-of-the-art aircraft, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions to our partners, while supporting the future of global aviation.”
The 737-8 variant, central to this order, is designed with efficiency and adaptability in mind. Capable of seating up to 210 passengers, depending on airline configuration, the aircraft offers a maximum range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). These attributes allow airlines to deploy the 737-8 across a wide range of routes, from high-frequency domestic services to medium-haul international flights.
Moreover, the 737 MAX family incorporates advanced aerodynamic designs, new-generation engines, and winglets, delivering up to 20% lower fuel burn and carbon emissions compared with the aircraft they replace. For airlines and lessors alike, these improvements are vital in an industry increasingly focused on environmental performance and cost efficiency.
Boeing’s Perspective on the Order
Boeing executives welcomed Macquarie’s decision to expand its investment in the 737 MAX program. Brad McMullen, Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, highlighted how leasing companies such as Macquarie play an essential role in modernizing airline fleets across the globe.
“Macquarie AirFinance’s expanded commitment to the 737 MAX is a testament to the value of this airplane among the leasing community and our airline customers,” McMullen said. “Lessors remain an important partner to Boeing and global carriers in providing financial solutions that expand single-aisle fleets. Their investment ensures airlines can access the most advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft available, helping them to meet both operational and environmental goals.”
Industry analysts note that lessors now represent nearly one-quarter of the 737 MAX’s total order book, underlining the model’s status as a cornerstone of the aircraft leasing business. With the single-aisle segment expected to dominate global fleet growth, the demand from leasing companies is projected to rise further in the coming years.
Meeting Long-Term Market Demand
Boeing’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook provides a strong backdrop for the order, forecasting demand for more than 33,000 new single-aisle airplanes over the next 20 years. Much of this demand will come from airlines seeking to replace aging fleets with more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives, while also accommodating steady growth in global air travel.
The 737 MAX family, particularly the 737-8, is positioned to meet this need with its balance of range, passenger capacity, and operating economics. By securing early access to a significant number of these aircraft, Macquarie AirFinance is ensuring it remains at the forefront of serving its customers’ future fleet requirements.
About Macquarie AirFinance
Macquarie AirFinance is a globally recognized leader in aircraft leasing and financing solutions. The company manages a fleet of 227 aircraft leased to 84 airline customers in 48 countries. Its diverse and modern portfolio, combined with a forward orderbook of 105 new-technology Boeing and Airbus narrowbody aircraft, underscores its focus on innovation and sustainability.
Headquartered in Dublin, with additional offices in London, San Francisco, and Singapore, Macquarie AirFinance brings a global perspective to aircraft leasing. The company is jointly owned by Macquarie Asset Management, PGGM Infrastructure Fund, and Australian Retirement Trust, providing it with a strong financial foundation to support long-term investments in aviation.
