Boeing and BOC Aviation have announced a new, firm order for 50 B-737/8 jets, expanding the lessor's B-737 MAX portfolio to 215 B-737/8s and 737/9s.

BOC Aviation will increase its Boeing order book to 139 unfilled orders.

BOC Aviation currently has 69 B-737 MAX airplanes on operating leases to more than 15 airlines worldwide.

With single-aisle jets projected to account for 75% of global deliveries over the next 20 years, lessors are looking to build their order books to support airlines' fleet growth plans and replace less-efficient older jets. To date, lessors have ordered more than 1,200 B-737 MAX jets as they seek to replace up to 300 Next-Generation 737s per year that are set to retire from passenger operations by the end of the decade.

The B-737/8, seating 162 to 210 passengers depending on configuration and with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km), is the market's most versatile single-aisle airplane, capable of operating profitably on short- and medium-haul routes.

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