Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Avolon have announced that the lessor has finalised its purchase of 140 737-10 airplanes, a record 737 MAX order by a lessor that increases Avolon’s backlog to more than 240 unfilled orders, the companies said in Seattle on 4 November 2026. Lessors have placed firm orders for more than 230 737-10 airplanes in 2026, five times the lessor backlog recorded for the largest 737 MAX variant at the end of 2025.

With the 737-10, Avolon says it can meet strong market demand for larger single-aisle jets while leveraging the versatility of the 737 family. The aircraft can seat up to 230 passengers and has a range of 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 kilometres), which Boeing describes as offering the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle airplane.

“We continue to see strong demand for new technology aircraft, and this order further strengthens our long-term delivery pipeline. The 737-10 combines outstanding economics with the capacity airlines increasingly require, making it one of the most attractive aircraft in its class,” said Avolon CEO Andy Cronin. “This agreement enhances our ability to support airline growth and fleet renewal well into the next decade, while further strengthening our long-standing partnership with Boeing.”

“Avolon’s growing and diverse 737 MAX portfolio enables its airline customers to modernize fleets with aircraft that reduce emissions and operating costs, improve route economics and support long-term sustainability goals,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “As long-term travel demand is expected to remain strong, we stand ready to support lessors expanding their single-aisle portfolios with fuel-efficient jets that can operate across diverse route networks.”

MARKET CONTEXT

The 737 represents approximately 30 per cent of all financed airplanes, the companies said, citing its large customer base and low operating costs as a cornerstone of most lessors’ portfolios. Projected 4 per cent annual passenger traffic growth over the next 20 years is cited as a driver of lessors broadening their single-aisle offerings; lessors have ordered more than 1,450 737 MAX airplanes to date, about 20 per cent of Boeing’s backlog. As of 30 September 2026, Avolon’s owned, managed and committed fleet stood at 1,092 aircraft, working with 138 airlines in 62 countries.