Riyadh Air. Photo: Boeing Boeing has continued its strong showing at the Farnborough Airshow, announcing a trio of major agreements that could see the aerospace giant add up to 148 aircraft to its order book as airlines and lessors double down on long-term growth plans.
The deals, unveiled over the course of the event, span both the widebody and narrowbody markets and include commitments from Riyadh Air, Philippine Airlines (PAL), and aircraft leasing giant SMBC Aviation Capital.
Also starting today, Boeing's authority to issue airworthiness certificates for all 737 MAX and 787 aircraft has been officially restored, following a decision by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after eight months of safety reviews and consistent production quality assessments.
New Boeing order for SMBC. Photo: BoeingThe largest announcement came from SMBC Aviation Capital, which placed an order for 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, including 60 of the larger 737-10 variant and 40 737-8 jets. The agreement marks SMBC's first purchase of the 737-10 and brings its owned, managed, and committed Boeing 737 MAX portfolio to 450 aircraft.
SMBC CEO Peter Barrett said the order reflects strong confidence in the demand for fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft and will provide airline customers with a long-term pipeline of next-generation jets.
Boeing noted that lessors have ordered more than 1,450 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to date, accounting for approximately 20% of the program's total backlog. Global passenger traffic is expected to grow by around 4% annually over the next two decades, increasing demand for efficient single-aisle aircraft.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air exercised options for 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners as it accelerates plans to serve more than 100 international destinations by 2030. The agreement includes the conversion of 20 aircraft to the larger Boeing 787-10 variant and a previously undisclosed purchase of 11 Dreamliners.
Once all options are finalized, Riyadh Air's firm Boeing 787 order book will increase to 67 aircraft. The airline currently operates six Dreamliners and views the fleet as central to its role in supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy.
Philippines Airlines above Manilla. Photo: Boeing
Philippine Airlines also announced plans to expand its long-haul fleet, committing to 15 Boeing 787-10 aircraft with options for an additional five. The carrier said the investment will support fleet modernization and growing international demand while strengthening its medium- and long-haul operations.
The order comes during a milestone year for Philippine Airlines, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary and its 80-year partnership with Boeing.
Together, the three agreements underscore continued confidence in Boeing's commercial aircraft portfolio, from the fuel-efficient 737 MAX family to the long-range 787 Dreamliner. They also highlight broader trends shaping the aviation industry, including the rapid expansion of Middle Eastern carriers, renewed demand for international travel in Asia, and sustained interest in next-generation aircraft.
If all commitments are finalized, Boeing will have secured up to 148 aircraft orders and options from just three customers, reinforcing the manufacturer's momentum as the global aviation sector enters another phase of growth.