Boeing revealed Tuesday that a previously unidentified order for 30 737 MAX aircraft was placed by aviation leasing company Macquarie AirFinance.
The Dublin-based firm agreed to buy 30 737 MAX 8 jets in July to meet growing demand. Boeing did not initially name the company on its orders and deliveries website.
Macquarie officials said they are investing in the 737 MAX because of its fuel efficiency and reliability. The recent order will grow the lessor’s 737 MAX portfolio to 70 aircraft in total.
“Macquarie AirFinance’s expanded commitment to the 737 MAX is a testament to the value of this airplane among the leasing community and our airline customers,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing, in a statement. “Lessors remain an important partner to Boeing and global carriers in providing financial solutions that expand single-aisle fleets.”
According to Boeing, lessors now account for nearly one-quarter of the total order book for the 737 MAX family.
Macquarie owns a portfolio of 227 aircraft leased to 84 airlines. Its customers include United, Hawaiian Airlines, Air Canada, WestJet, Air France, and British Airways, among others.
The company said it has ordered a total of 105 new next-generation narrowbody jets from Boeing and Airbus.
