AerCap FlySafair Lease: 737 MAX Jets Incoming

AerCap has struck a multi-aircraft deal to refresh FlySafair’s short-haul fleet, announced November 18 at the Dubai Airshow.

The AerCap FlySafair lease covers three new Boeing 737 MAX 8s and two 737-800NGs for South African low-cost carrier FlySafair (IATA: FS, ICAO: SFW). Deliveries for the 737-800NGs are scheduled from Q3 2026, while the MAX 8s are due to begin arriving in Q1 2028.

AerCap FlySafair lease aims at efficiency and sustainability

AerCap Holdings framed the agreement as part of FlySafair’s fleet modernization push — a move meant to cut fuel burn, lower operating costs and improve the passenger experience. The lessor also noted regulatory and geopolitical headwinds that have reshaped leasing strategies in recent years, especially for transactions involving Western lessors and African carriers.

For FlySafair, the mix of 737-800NG (Next-Generation) and 737 MAX 8 balances near-term capacity needs with a longer-term step toward newer, more efficient airframes. The carrier’s existing operations should see incremental improvements in range, cabin comfort and block-hour economics once the aircraft enter service.

AerCap FlySafair lease: 3× Boeing 737 MAX 8 + 2× 737-800NG; NGs from Q3 2026, MAX from Q1 2028
Operator: FlySafair (FS / SFW) — low-cost South African carrier
Lessor: AerCap Holdings N.V. — noted regulatory and geopolitical risks

The deal highlights how lessors and airlines are tuning fleet plans to meet environmental targets and passenger demand while navigating complex international rules and market pressure. FlySafair’s phased delivery schedule should help crew training, maintenance planning and network adjustments ahead of the MAX arrivals.

Expect the agreement to be one of several fleet moves announced at major airshows this year as airlines balance capacity growth with sustainability goals and regulatory constraints.