January 31st, 2019: SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the world’s leading aircraft leasing companies, today announced details of a significant Boeing 737 MAX lease deal signed in December 2018 with low-cost pioneer Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV), the largest domestic air carrier in the USA in terms of domestic passengers carried.

The transaction involves placement of twelve (12) B737 MAX 8 aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital’s orderbook, with the first aircraft set for delivery in July 2019.

Southwest Airlines, a returning lease customer for SMBC Aviation Capital, carries more than 120 million passengers every year and will use the new MAX aircraft across the carrier’s expanding network.

Peter Barrett, CEO, SMBC Aviation Capital said: “We are very pleased to conclude this transaction with one of the world’s leading airlines. This deal to place aircraft with Southwest, highlights SMBC Aviation Capital’s commitment to the growth and development of its business and we look forward to working with Southwest in the coming years.”