Arajet Expands Fleet with Five Boeing 737 MAX 8 in Deal with SMBC Aviation Capital
SMBC Aviation Capital has announced a leasing agreement with Dominican carrier Arajet for five Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The transaction, structured as a Sale and Leaseback (SLB), includes deliveries scheduled for 2026 and 2027. This agreement marks Arajet’s debut as a client of the global lessor.
Conor Stafford, Head of Airline Marketing at SMBC Aviation Capital, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that the company is “pleased to team up with Arajet on this deal” and welcomes the airline as “a new customer of SMBC Aviation Capital.” He added, “This transaction marks the beginning of our collaboration, and we are confident these aircraft will greatly support Arajet’s success.” Stafford emphasized that the agreement “demonstrates our commitment to providing tailored leasing solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
Víctor Pacheco Méndez, CEO of Arajet, shared his excitement about the fleet expansion, noting the addition of next-generation Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. He said, “This agreement supports our mission to offer safe, efficient, comfortable, and affordable travel options across the Americas.” Pacheco also highlighted that “the trust and collaboration shown by SMBC Aviation Capital reflect the strength of Arajet’s business model and our shared commitment to innovation and sustainable growth in aviation.”
Arajet recently achieved a key milestone in its expansion strategy by launching operations in the United States. On April 11, the airline inaugurated its Santo Domingo–Miami route, opening a new travel corridor between Latin America and the U.S. market. The company is also selling tickets for upcoming routes to Newark (serving the New York area) and San Juan, Puerto Rico, set to begin in June 2025, with plans to operate 25 weekly flights to the U.S. during the summer season. Initial demand for the new routes has been strong, with a significant volume of tickets sold in the first few days.
In February 2025, Arajet signed a separate leasing agreement with BOC Aviation for five additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, slated for delivery throughout the year. These additions are expected to bring the airline’s total fleet to 13 aircraft by year-end, in line with its growth targets. Arajet aims to transport 1.7 million passengers in 2025 and has also conducted training for staff to better serve passengers with reduced mobility.
The Sale and Leaseback model allows airlines to sell owned or ordered aircraft to leasing companies and then lease them back, freeing up capital while ensuring continued operational use. The addition of these five 737 MAX 8s will support Arajet’s expansion plans over the coming years.
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