SMBC Aviation Capital has announced the signing of definitive lease agreements with United Airlines for 20 Airbus A321neo aircraft.
The aircraft arrival was previously announced as part of United’s fleet plan in April 2024, and is scheduled to be delivered from 2026 and will come from SMBC Aviation Capital’s direct Airbus order book.
This deal announcement comes in addition to a recently completed 20 aircraft (Boeing 737-8 MAX) sale and leaseback transaction between SMBC Aviation Capital and United Airlines.
At the Farnborough Airshow in July 2024, SMBC announced that it will be exercising options for 22 A320neo family aircraft firm orders.
“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,” Michael Leskinen, United’s Chief Financial Officer said in a statement.
“We thank SMBC for its continued support and partnership,” Leskinen added.
Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the world’s leading aircraft leasing companies, specializing in providing commercial jet aircraft to airlines across the globe.