A higher percentage of A320neos are owned by lessors compared to 737 MAXs, pointing to “significant investment opportunities” over the past five years, according to recent analysis from mba Aviation.
The data, which highlights strong demand for leased Airbus aircraft, reveals that 2.3 times more A320neos are on lease than 737 MAX 8 models. In total, 1,616 A320neos are currently on operating lease, compared to 695 737 MAX 8 jets.
mba Aviation noted that while the 737 MAX has lower lessor participation compared to the A320neo, it may offer stronger residual value stability due to a slower influx of aircraft into the market in the early 2030s.
Additionally, A320neos might face greater volatility when coming off lease in the early 2030s compared to the 737 MAX, said mba.
Leasing trends indicate a decrease in the percentage of 2024 A320neos owned by lessors compared to deliveries in 2023. In contrast, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 continues to see a significant proportion leased, with 62.8% of the aircraft leased following the aircraft’s grounding.