United Airlines to Receive 20 Airbus A321neo Aircraft from SMBC Aviation Capital

SMBC Aviation Capital announced that it has signed lease agreements with United Airlines for 20 Airbus A321neo aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026, and the aircraft will be part of SMBC’s direct Airbus order. This announcement complements a previous sale and leaseback transaction for 20 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft between the two companies. In July 2024, at the Farnborough Airshow, SMBC revealed that it will exercise options on 22 orders for the A320neo series. “The relationship between SMBC and United has never been stronger and these leases are a significant part of our efforts to optimize our balance sheet and increase our return on capital,” said Michael Leskinen, United’s chief financial officer, in a statement. Dublin, Ireland-based SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the world’s leading aircraft leasing companies, specializing in the supply of commercial jets to airlines in several countries. Read also: Azul holds 3366th Quality and Safety Seminar, highlighting operational excellence in the sector With former footballer Kaká “flying the plane”, Qatar Airways announces partnership with UEFA Champions League</a></span></li> AirAsia and Airbus announce partnership to strengthen aviation sustainability in Southeast Asia</a></span></li> </ul>