Dublin, Irelan based Japanese SMBC Aviation Capital made has announced that it has signed a definitive lease agreements with United Airlines for twenty (20) Airbus A321neo aircraft.
Previously, in June 2021, United Airlines had placed an order for 70 Airbus A321neo aircraft, positioning the airline to grow its presence in the single-aisle market in alignment with its “United Next” initiative.
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The year 2021 order complemented the existing orders from United for 50 A321XLR aircraft, that brought the total commitment from the airline to 120 A321 aircraft
Current aircraft leasing, previously announced as part of United’s fleet expansion plan in April, are scheduled to deliver from 2026 and will come from SMBC Aviation Capital’s direct Airbus orderbook.
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International : “No other aircraft can do what the A321neo can do, and the Airbus team is most gratified by United’s strong affirmation of its premium status. The A321neo will complement United’s future A321XLR aircraft, together creating a privileged segment on its own.”
This deal announcement is in addition to a recently completed 20 aircraft (Boeing 737-8 MAX) sale and leaseback transaction between SMBC Aviation Capital and United Airlines.
Worth mentioning here, in April this year, United Airlines had signed letters of intent with two lessors to acquire 35 new Airbus A321neos starting in 2026, in a movethat will replace the Boeing 737 Max 10 planes, dropped from its fleet expansion plan.
“The relationship between SMBC and United has never been stronger and these leases are a meaningful part of our efforts to optimize our balance sheet and to increase our return on capital,” said Michael Leskinen, United’s Chief Financial Officer. “We thank SMBC for its continued support and partnership.”
Barry Flannery, Chief Commercial Officer, SMBC Aviation Capital said:
“These, new, more fuel efficient aircraft will allow United to further grow their fleet and we are delighted to support them in this strategy. These agreements highlight the importance of our long-standing relationship with United and we look forward to many more years of successful partnership.”
United Airlines has seven A321neos in service at present, and 173 more on order. It also holds orders for around 350 Boeing B737 Max planes, including hundreds of Max 10s.
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