United Airlines has finalized sale-leaseback agreements for 20 Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft with lessor SMBC Aviation Capital. These aircraft are scheduled for delivery in late 2025 and 2026, reinforcing United’s strategy of fleet renewal and modernization. This marks the third such transaction between the carrier and the lessor, reflecting a broader approach to financial and operational optimization.
The airline is currently the largest Max 9 operator globally, with 115 jets in service and over 100 on order, according to aviation data firm Cirium. United’s extensive fleet comprises more than 1,000 aircraft, including orders for Max 8s and Max 9s, as well as the pending certification of Max 10s. The new sale-leaseback deals are expected to bolster United’s capacity to upgrade its fleet while maintaining operational flexibility.
Michael Leskinen, United’s Chief Financial Officer, emphasized that the agreements support the airline’s fleet strategy and ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency. The deals highlight United’s proactive approach to integrating strategic partnerships that enable continued growth and competitiveness in the North American aviation market.
