TOKYO (AFP) - Japanese aircraft leasing giant SMBC Aviation Capital said Monday it has placed an order for 80 Boeing planes in a deal worth up to US$8.5 billion (S$10.95 billion).

The company, owned by Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and trading firm Sumitomo Corp., said its purchase of the 737 MAX 8 aircraft marked the single largest order for the plane by a lessor.