BOC Aviation Orders 50 Boeing 737 MAX Jets to Support Global Airlines

Rhea-AI Summary

Boeing [NYSE: BA] has secured a firm order for 50 737-8 jets from BOC Aviation, expanding the lessor's 737 MAX portfolio to 215 aircraft. This order increases BOC Aviation's Boeing unfilled orders to 139 aircraft, marking their largest Boeing orderbook position historically.

The deal aligns with industry projections showing single-aisle jets will represent 75% of global deliveries over the next 20 years. Lessors have ordered over 1,200 737 MAX jets to date, preparing to replace approximately 300 Next-Generation 737s retiring from passenger operations by decade's end.

The 737-8 can accommodate 162 to 210 passengers with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km), positioning it as a versatile single-aisle aircraft for short- and medium-haul routes.

Positive

• Secured substantial new order for 50 737-8 jets from BOC Aviation
• Expands BOC Aviation's total 737 MAX portfolio to 215 aircraft
• Strong market position with lessors ordering over 1,200 737 MAX jets to date
• Aligns with projected market demand for single-aisle aircraft replacement

Negative

• None.

Insights

Aerospace Industry Analyst

BOC Aviation's order for 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft represents a significant commercial win that strengthens Boeing's position in the critical single-aisle market. This brings BOC Aviation's total 737 MAX portfolio to 215 aircraft and expands their Boeing order book to 139 unfilled orders.

The timing is particularly notable as it demonstrates continued market confidence in the 737 MAX program. For context, aircraft lessors have already ordered over 1,200 737 MAX jets industry-wide, indicating strong institutional betting on the platform's future. This aligns with BOC Aviation's statement that this is their largest Boeing orderbook position in their history.

The order specifically targets the 737-8 variant, which offers seating for 162-210 passengers with a range of 3,500 nautical miles. These specifications position the aircraft perfectly for the most common commercial routes globally, making them highly deployable assets in BOC Aviation's leasing portfolio.

Industry projections showing single-aisle jets accounting for 75% of global deliveries over the next two decades explain lessor enthusiasm, as they anticipate replacing approximately 300 Next-Generation 737s annually through the end of this decade. This order supports Boeing's production stability and strengthens their commercial backlog at a critical time for the manufacturer.

Financial Analyst

This firm order for 50 Boeing 737-8 jets offers meaningful revenue support for Boeing's commercial aircraft division. While specific financial terms weren't disclosed, the order materially increases Boeing's backlog and provides additional manufacturing visibility.

The announcement highlights BOC Aviation's strategic portfolio expansion and their confidence in the 737 MAX's market positioning. As a leading global lessor, BOC Aviation's commitment speaks to the anticipated leasing demand for these aircraft across their customer base of over 15 airlines worldwide.

This order is particularly valuable as it comes from the leasing sector, which represents sophisticated capital allocators who carefully assess long-term asset values and marketability. BOC Aviation's decision to make the 737-8 its largest Boeing orderbook position validates Boeing's value proposition regarding the aircraft's fuel efficiency and operating economics.

The reference to replacing up to 300 Next-Generation 737s annually through decade's end illuminates the replacement cycle driving demand. This helps Boeing's narrative that 737 MAX demand remains robust despite past challenges. For investors, this order demonstrates Boeing's continued ability to secure significant commercial wins in their core product segment, supporting long-term manufacturing continuity and helping stabilize their commercial aircraft business.

SEATTLE, March 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and BOC Aviation have announced a new, firm order for 50 737-8 jets, expanding the lessor's 737 MAX portfolio to 215 737-8s and 737-9s.

• BOC Aviation will increase its Boeing order book to 139 unfilled orders.
• BOC Aviation currently has 69 737 MAX airplanes on operating leases to more than 15 airlines worldwide.

"Our strong partnership with Boeing has led to this 50-aircraft order for the fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft. With this transaction, we have commitments to purchase over 140 of these aircraft, which is the largest Boeing orderbook position in our history," said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BOC Aviation. "This order will enable us to continue providing our airline customers with technologically advanced aircraft for their future fleet growth."

With single-aisle jets projected to account for 75% of global deliveries over the next 20 years, lessors are looking to build their order books to support airlines' fleet growth plans and replace less-efficient older jets. To date, lessors have ordered more than 1,200 737 MAX jets as they seek to replace up to 300 Next-Generation 737s per year that are set to retire from passenger operations by the end of the decade.

"BOC Aviation's latest investment in the 737-8 demonstrates the confidence lessors have in this airplane to meet continued air travel demand and improve fuel efficiency," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "The 737-8 is much sought after by airlines due to its unmatched versatility, generating significant operational savings because of lower fuel consumption."

The 737-8, seating 162 to 210 passengers depending on configuration and with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km), is the market's most versatile single-aisle airplane, capable of operating profitably on short- and medium-haul routes.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity. 

Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com

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SOURCE Boeing

FAQ

How many Boeing 737 MAX aircraft did BOC Aviation order in March 2025?

BOC Aviation placed a firm order for 50 Boeing 737-8 jets in March 2025.

What is the total size of BOC Aviation's Boeing 737 MAX portfolio after the new order?

After the new order, BOC Aviation's 737 MAX portfolio expanded to 215 737-8s and 737-9s.

What is the passenger capacity and range of Boeing's 737-8 aircraft?

The 737-8 can seat 162 to 210 passengers and has a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km).

How many Boeing 737 MAX aircraft have lessors ordered to date?

Lessors have ordered more than 1,200 737 MAX jets to date.

What percentage of global aircraft deliveries will single-aisle jets represent in the next 20 years?

Single-aisle jets are projected to account for 75% of global deliveries over the next 20 years.