Airbus Updates No.4698

 

flynas firms up additional Airbus A330-900 and A321neo aircraft

Farnborough, United Kingdom, 22 July 2026 – flynas, Saudi Arabia's leading low-cost carrier, has agreed to acquire five additional A330-900 aircraft and 20 additional A321neo aircraft from Airbus. The agreement further strengthens the strategic partnership between Airbus and flynas and supports the airline's continued expansion across domestic, regional and long-haul markets.

The latest order increases flynas’ total commitment for the A330neo to 20 aircraft and brings its total commitment for the A321neo to 56 aircraft. With these additions, flynas continues to expand its all-Airbus fleet, bringing its total firm commitment to Airbus aircraft to 235.

flynas currently operates a fleet of 67 Airbus aircraft, comprising two A330-300s, four A320ceos and 61 A320neos. The airline continues to expand its network in response to growing demand for air travel in Saudi Arabia and beyond, supporting the Kingdom’s aviation growth ambitions.

Bander Almohanna, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of flynas, said: "This step is aimed at ensuring the sustainable growth of the flynas fleet over the coming years to support the continued expansion of our six operating bases across the Kingdom, while also strengthening our operational and expansion capabilities for flynas Syria," noting that the increase in confirmed aircraft orders will enhance the carrier's ability to access new markets and further reinforce flynas' role as a key logistics partner in advancing Saudi Arabia's position as a global tourism and travel hub, while also supporting the objectives of the Pilgrim Experience Program by facilitating access to the Two Holy Mosques, and contributing to increasing the aviation sector's overall capacity.

Almohanna added that increasing flynas' confirmed Airbus orders to 235 aircraft out of a total orderbook of 280 aircraft will further strengthen the airline's operational and expansion capabilities, enabling it to support the remarkable growth and transformation taking place across the Saudi economy, given the major tourism developments and global events that Saudi Arabia will host, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.

“This additional order from flynas highlights the continued appeal of Airbus’ latest-generation aircraft and reflects the strength of our partnership with one of the region’s fastest-growing airlines,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “The A321neo and A330neo deliver outstanding efficiency, performance and passenger comfort, enabling airlines to grow sustainably while expanding their networks. We are delighted to support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as it continues its ambitious aviation growth journey.”

The A321neo, the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offers segment-leading operating economics and extended range, enabling airlines to serve regional and medium-haul routes with greater flexibility. Compared with previous-generation aircraft, the A321neo delivers a reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of at least 20%.

Powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo is designed to fly up to 8,100 nautical miles / 15,000 kilometres non-stop and reduces fuel burn, CO2 emissions and operating cost by 25% compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft.

Airbus Updates No.4696

 

Air Seychelles signs lease for two

A321XLRs

The first aircraft will be delivered in 2028. 

Air Seychelles is to lease a pair of Airbus A321XLRs from lessor SMBC Aviation Capital, as it looks to expand its fleet and network.

The two long-range narrowbodies are part of SMBC Aviation Capital’s existing orderbook, the lessor states. The first aircraft will be delivered to Air Seychelles in 2028.

“[The aircraft] is expected to play an important role in strengthening Seychelles’ position as a globally connected island destination by improving access to international markets and supporting the country’s tourism-driven economy,” the airline states.

Air Seychelles operates a pair of A320neos, as well as five De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter-400s.

Airline chief Sandy Benoiton says: “The addition of two Airbus A321XLR aircraft will provide us with the range and flexibility required to expand our network beyond our traditional regional footprint and connect Seychelles more directly with key international source markets.”

Airbus Updates No.4695

 

Shohin Airlines discloses order for four Airbus A320neo Family

Farnborough, United Kingdom, 21 July 2026 – Shohin Airlines, established in Dushanbe, Tajikistan as a private airline company, has disclosed an order for four Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, marking the first ever Airbus order for the airline. The agreement, which includes  two A320neo and two A321neo aircraft, was included in Airbus' end of June order book as an undisclosed order. 

Registered in June 2025, the airline aims to expand a wide route network and build a strong brand that represents Tajikistan on the global aviation stage. 

The A320neo aircraft will feature 176 seats and the A321neo will feature 196 seats in a dual class layout. These new aircraft will be helping the airline launch services to regional and global markets.

“The signing of our first contract with Airbus marks a milestone not only for Shohin Airlines, but also for the entire civil aviation sector of Tajikistan. The A320neo Family aircraft will form the backbone of our airline’s modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable fleet. We are committed to providing our passengers with the highest standards of safety, comfort, and service quality while expanding Tajikistan’s international air connectivity. We are confident that our partnership with Airbus will provide a solid foundation for Shohin Airlines’ long-term growth and the successful implementation of our strategy to build a world-class airline,” said Zafar Ahmadzoda, Chief Executive Officer of Shohin Airlines.

“Welcoming a new customer to the Airbus family is always a proud moment, and we are honoured Shohin Airlines has chosen Airbus to power their historic launch.” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “We look forward to supporting Shohin Airlines’ vision to connect Tajikistan to the world. This agreement marks the beginning of a strong partnership, ensuring the airline sets a new regional standard for fleet optimisation, operational excellence, and passenger experience right from its start.”

The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft, having won more than 20,000 orders globally. The Family includes the largest member, the A321neo, offering unparalleled range and performance. The Family offers at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort with one of the widest single-aisle cabins in the sky.

Airbus Updates No.4693

 

SMBC Aviation Capital orders 100 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft

Farnborough, United Kingdom, 20 July 2026 - SMBC Aviation Capital, a leading global aviation finance platform, has placed a firm order for an additional 65 A321neo and 35 A320neo aircraft. The agreement was finalised at the Farnborough International Airshow.

"This significant new order will give our airline customers access to a continuous delivery pipeline of the latest technology A320neo family aircraft into the mid-2030s," said Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital. "We are pleased to build on the deep partnership we have established with Airbus over the last 25 years, and this latest order reflects our confidence in the long-term demand for the A320neo family. Today's announcement reflects SMBC Aviation Capital’s long-term commitment to supporting our airline customers, positioning us as the leading global aviation finance platform, ready to meet their ever-evolving needs."

“Our partnership with SMBC Aviation Capital goes from strength to strength. We are honoured to stand with SMBC Aviation Capital as they place this order for additional A320neo family aircraft - the world’s most leased and most traded aircraft making it the benchmark for airlines, lessors and investors alike”, said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “SMBC Aviation Capital’s investment reflects the global market appetite for the A320neo Family for the years to come as customers select the latest generation and most efficient aircraft to grow and renew fleets.”

SMBC Aviation Capital is already one of the largest customers for the A320 Family and together with its parent company Sumitomo Corporation, accounts for over 900 total commitments directly from Airbus for all Airbus aircraft types.

The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft, having won more than 20,200 orders globally. The Family includes the largest member, the A321neo, offering unparalleled range and performance. The Family offers at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort with one of the widest single-aisle cabins in the sky.

Airbus Updates No.4628

China Eastern to place large Airbus A320neo-order

In a filing to the Shanghai Stock Exchange on 25 March 2023, China Eastern Airlines announced its intention to place large order for the Airbus A320neo-family.

According to the filing, the order is for 101 additional aircraft. Deliveries are expected to take place in batches between 2028 and 2032. The exact breakdown per type is currently unknown. Before this order, China Eastern Airlines had open orders with Airbus for seventeen A320neos and 41 A321neos.

Today, the airline is operating a fleet of 31 A319s, 136 A320s, 121 A320neos, 74 A321s, 27 A321neos, 30 A330-200s, 26 A330-300s, 20 A350-900s, 36 B737-700s, 100 B737-800s, five B737-8s, 20 B777-300ERs, seven B787-9s, 31 C909s, and fourteen C919s.

Subsidiary China Eastern Yunnan Airlines is flying with 34 B737-700s, 35 B737-800s, three B737-8s, and three B787-9s.

Airbus Updates No.4627

 

AerCap places order for 100 additional Airbus A320neo Family aircraft

Toulouse, France, 18 March 2026 – AerCap Holdings N.V. (“AerCap”) has signed a firm order with Airbus for 23 A320neo and 77 A321neo aircraft. This transaction underscores AerCap’s strategy of investing in the world's most in-demand, fuel-efficient technology to meet the long-term requirements of its global airline customer base.

“This order for 100 A320neo Family aircraft reflects our strong belief in the long-term demand for these highly efficient aircraft and will help meet the continued demand we see from our customers for both growth and replacement needs,” said Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap. "As the world’s largest owner of commercial aircraft, our strategy is clear: we invest in the assets that provide our airline customers with the best economics and the lowest emissions. This landmark transaction ensures that AerCap will continue to lead the industry in fleet modernization well into the next decade.”

“This order is the largest single direct order for the type ever placed by AerCap with Airbus, and is a powerful endorsement of the A320neo Family’s enduring value and market-leading performance,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “We are extremely grateful and proud to support AerCap’s vision in accelerating the global transition towards newer, modern aircraft and more efficient operations.”

The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft, having won more than 19,000 orders globally. The Family includes the largest member, the A321neo, offering unparalleled range and performance. The Family offers at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort with one of the widest single-aisle cabins in the sky.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A320 Family is able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

Airbus Updates No.4620

 

Delta continues fleet renewal with additional narrowbody aircraft with order for 34 Airbus A321neo's

Delta Air Lines is advancing its long-term fleet modernization strategy by exercising options for 34 additional Airbus A321neo aircraft, reinforcing the A321neo’s role as a pillar of Delta’s next generation narrowbody fleet.  

Deliveries from this order are scheduled to arrive in Delta’s fleet beginning in 2029. 

"The A321neo has proven to be an exceptional aircraft for Delta, delivering industry-leading efficiency while offering the premium experience our customers value,” said Kristen Bojko, Delta’s vice president of Fleet. “By exercising these options, we’re continuing to invest in a fleet that improves our cost structure, supports our sustainability goals and gives us powerful flexibility to serve our customers well into the next decade.” 

With this transaction, Delta’s total A321neo fleet will grow to 189 aircraft, making it the largest-scale fleet type in Delta’s history and underscoring Delta’s focus on efficiency and premium growth. 

Delta took delivery of its first A321neo in 2022, and the fleet has since expanded to 92 aircraft in service, with 97 additional firm orders, inclusive of this option exercise. Delta also retains options for 36 additional A321neos, providing flexibility to support future fleet and network needs. 

A high gauge, highly efficient narrowbody supporting a premium customer experience

As the highest gauge next generation narrowbody in Delta’s fleet, the A321neo delivers strong cost performance while supporting Delta’s sustainability goals. The aircraft offers the lowest unit cost of any narrowbody in Delta’s fleet and is 20–30% more fuel efficient than the current generation aircraft it replaces. 

A critical element of Delta’s premium strategy, the A321neo features more Delta First and Delta Comfort seats than any other narrowbody aircraft in Delta’s current fleet. This premium capacity allows Delta to better meet premium demand across domestic and short haul international markets. Year-to-date, the A321neo has the highest cabin satisfaction scores among Delta’s narrowbody fleet, according to internal analysis. 

The aircraft’s modern cabin includes Delta First, Delta Comfort and Delta Main, with customer-focused features such as seatback entertainment, power at every seat, larger overhead bins and upgraded seating designed to elevate comfort across all cabins.  

All aircraft from this order will be powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines, which deliver fuel burn and noise reduction benefits that support Delta’s efficiency and sustainability objectives. Delta’s longstanding partnership with Pratt & Whitney (spanning more than 90 years) is further supported by Delta TechOps, which maintains these engines using industry leading inhouse maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities. Delta TechOps joined the GTF MRO network in 2019 and has steadily expanded its capabilities, opening a 155,000squarefoot dedicated GTF facility in Atlanta and supporting both next generation and legacy Pratt & Whitney engines. 

As Delta positions its fleet to support growth in the decade ahead, the A321neo remains central to the airline’s strategy to serve customers more efficiently while continuing to elevate the onboard experience. 

This is the third aircraft order announced by Delta this year. Last month, the airline announced two separate orders — totaling more than 60 widebody aircraft — for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as well as the Airbus A330-900 and A350-900. 

Airbus Updates No.4609

 

Tigerair Taiwan orders four Airbus A321neo

Singapore, 4 February 2026 – Tigerair Taiwan has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for four A321neo aircraft, marking the airline’s first order for this type. The new aircraft will support the airline’s network expansion while delivering improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.

The low-cost carrier which currently operates a fleet of 17 A320 Family aircraft, including nine A320ceo and eight A320neo, will benefit from greater commonality across the A320 Family, reducing training, maintenance and operating costs.

“The purchase of A321neo aircraft is a cornerstone of our ‘third-generation’ fleet expansion, designed to maximise operational efficiency as we scale for regional dominance,” said Chairperson Joyce Huang of Tigerair Taiwan. “Configured with 232 seats, the A321neo allows us to increase capacity on our high-demand ‘golden routes’ and accelerate network expansion. By serving more passengers across more destinations with a lower cost per seat, this investment reinforces our position as Taiwan’s leading LCC. Furthermore, it advances our journey toward a younger, more fuel-efficient fleet that meets both our commercial and ESG targets.”

“We are pleased to see Tigerair Taiwan reaffirm its confidence in Airbus as it takes another step in its fleet growth. The addition of the A321neo will complement its existing A320 fleet,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of Commercial Aircraft business. “The A321neo is the ideal platform for Tigerair Taiwan to capture growing demand while maintaining its commitment to cost-effective operations.”

The A321neo, the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offers segment-leading operating economics and extended range, enabling airlines to serve regional and medium-haul routes with greater flexibility. Compared with previous-generation aircraft, the A321neo delivers a reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of at least 20%.

The A320neo Family has received more than 10,000 orders from over 130 customers worldwide. All Airbus aircraft are capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) today, with a target to enable 100% SAF capability by 2030.

Airbus Updates No.4581

Tigerair Taiwan to add A321neos

TIgerair Taiwan has announced it will renew and expand its fleet with the Airbus A321neo.

The low-cost carrier has, therefore, placed an order with Airbus directly for four aircraft and secured leases on another eleven.

Deliveries are planned to begin in 2031 and finalized in 2035.

Today, the China Airlines-subsidiary, is operating a fleet that is made-up of nine A320s and eight A320neos.

Airbus Updates No.4568

 

flydubai signs a landmark agreement for 150 A321neo aircraft, becoming an Airbus customer

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 18 November 2025 – flydubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 150 A321neo aircraft making the airline a new Airbus customer. The agreement underscores the carrier’s confidence in Dubai’s growth plans. 

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, signed the MoU agreement with Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, at the signing ceremony which was attended by Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, on the second day of the Dubai Airshow 2025.

“We are pleased to announce a landmark agreement for 150 A321neo aircraft, representing another important milestone in flydubai’s journey. This new agreement is not only about adding aircraft. It supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of flydubai.

“This strategic addition diversifies our narrow-body fleet and strengthens our long-term expansion plans. This will enable flydubai to play a key role in the success of Dubai World Central’s expansion plans, an airport we aim to become the largest airport in the world.”

“The A321neos will support the next phase of our network development and enable us to meet rising demand across our markets. We look forward to establishing a strong and enduring partnership between flydubai and Airbus.” 

The addition of the latest generation A321neo will support flydubai’s strategy to expand its network, offering customers access to new destinations with greater efficiency and comfort. 

“We welcome flydubai, one of the Middle East’s most ambitious and fast-growing carriers, as a new Airbus customer,” said Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “The decision to invest in and introduce the A321neo into its fleet is another endorsement of the added value Airbus brings in terms of range, efficiency and passenger comfort. We look forward to supporting flydubai as it enables new growth and possibilities with our aircraft.” 

The A321neo is part of the A320neo Family, incorporating the latest technologies including new generation engines, Sharklets and cabin efficiency enablers, which together deliver more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft. 

At the end of October 2025, more than 7,200 A321neo aircraft have been ordered by nearly 100 customers across the globe.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A320 Family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Airbus targeting 100% SAF capability by 2030. 

Airbus Updates No.4527

Avolon orders up to 130 Airbuses

On 25 July 2025, Airbus announced that lessor Avolon has placed a firm order for 15 A330neos and 75 A321neos. The new aircraft will all be delivered and placed with customers of the leasing company by 2033.

Next to the firm order, Avolon also secured purchase rights for 15 more A330neos and 25 A321neos.

With this latest order, the lessor has now placed firm orders for 79 A330neos and 264 A321neos.

Illustration by Airbus.

Airbus Updates No.4509

AJet secures more Airbus A321neos

Turkish Airlines' low-cost subsidiary AJet (formerly known as Anadolu Jet) has secured additional Airbus A321neos by signing two lease-agreements. The first agreement was reached with Avolon for ten aircraft, followed by one with Carlyle Aviation Partners for another four A321neos. All aircraft are planned to be delivered in 2026 and 2027.

AJet is leasing the new aircraft to reduce its dependency on wet-leased aircraft, which proved to be not as reliable as operating aircraft themselves.

Today, AJet is operating a fleet of 87 aircraft, made-up of thirteen A320neos (currently parked and being readied for the airline), eight A321-200s, fourteen A321neos, 45 Boeing B737-800s, and seven B737-8s.

Airbus Updates No.4501

 

Vietjet to order 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft

Paris, France, 17 June 2025 - Vietjet, Vietnam’s largest private airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus covering a major new order for 100 single-aisle A321neo aircraft, with the potential to add another 50 in the future.

The agreement was signed during the Paris Air Show by Vietjet CEO Dinh Viet Phuong and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

“This new agreement marks a significant milestone in our strategic partnership with Airbus,” said Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao. “These modern and efficient aircraft have been instrumental in Vietjet’s growth, helping us make air travel more accessible and affordable for millions, while strengthening our role as a connector for economic development, cultural exchange and global connectivity. This landmark agreement represents a vital step in Vietjet’s growth strategy as a multi-national aviation group.” 

“Our latest agreement comes just weeks after the airline placed an additional order for A330neo widebody aircraft,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “Together the A321neo and A330neo will be perfect partners for Vietjet to continue to spread its wings, efficiently matching capacity more closely to demand across its network. The airline will also benefit from the high levels of technical commonality that are unique to latest generation Airbus aircraft.” 

Operating a fleet of more than 100 Airbus aircraft, Vietjet continues to expand its global network and fleet modernisation.

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. 

At the end of May 2025, more than 7,000 A321neo aircraft have been ordered by over 90 customers across the globe.

As with all in-production aircraft, the A321neo is able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a target to increase to up to 100% SAF capability by 2030.

Airbus Updates No.4480

 

Uzbek president agrees to buy Airbus jets during state visit

A spokesperson for the Uzbek government says the country's president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, agreed to buy fourteen Airbus aircraft and lease five more during a state visit to France in March. Sherzod Asadov also said negotiations are underway with Boeing to buy 12 of its aircraft.

Mirziyoyev announced his intention to refresh the fleet at state-owned Uzbekistan Airways (HY, Tashkent International) during an April 9, 2025, government meeting, according to The Tashkent Times. However, it is unclear whether his comments referred to an earlier plan to sign a memorandum of understanding with Boeing for fourteen incremental B787-8s and an even earlier deal with Airbus to buy eight A320-200Ns and four A321-200Ns, or were additional to them.

Uzbekistan Airways' current fleet includes 45 aircraft, including nine A320-200s, ten A320-200Ns, five A321-200NX(LR)s, two wet-leased A330-200s, two ACJ320-200s, five B767-300ERs, two B767-300ER(BCF)s, seven B787-8s, two Il-76TDs, and one Pilatus PC-24. The majority of the aircraft are owned, although the ch-aviation fleets module shows Uzbekistan Airways leases the A320neo and A321neo jets. The latest Airbus delivery data shows that the manufacturer has yet to deliver nine narrowbodies to the airline.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan Airways appears to have back-pedalled on plans to sell aircraft formerly in long-term storage and will reactivate one of its parked B767UK67007 (msn 33469) went out of service in May 2020. In January 2023, ch-aviation reported on a call by the airline for expressions of interest to acquire two of its B757-200s and two B767-300ERs, UK67007 and UK67008 (msn 33078), that were surplus to requirements.

However, this week, Uzbekistan Airways unveiled a refurbished UK67007. "Uzbekistan Airways' fleet is being replenished with an updated B767 widebody aircraft with registration number UK67007," read May 7 posts on its social media platforms. "The aircraft has undergone extensive technical training after long-term storage and will begin operating flights very soon."

Airbus Updates No.4455

 

Aegean Airlines adds eight more A321neo to order

Aegean Airlines (A3, Athens) has announced that it has added eight more A321-200NX aircraft to its order book, amending it for the third time and confirming that the total number in its A320/A321neo order will reach fifty-eight.

According to the Greek carrier, its order now consists of twenty-one A320-200Ns, thirty-three A321-200NX, and four A321-200NX(LR)s. Of the 58 aircraft committed in total, 34 have already been delivered, leaving another 24 scheduled for delivery. Data from the Airbus orderbook shows that 12 (one A320-200N and eleven A321-200N) are currently listed as direct, disclosed orders placed with the manufacturer.

"The expansion of our investment plan with the additional order of eight new Airbus A321neo aircraft is essential for achieving our growth objectives and further enhancing the competitiveness of our operations. It is also clear that we have a strong preference for the larger-capacity and extended-range version of the A321neo type, which will soon represent two-thirds of our Airbus fleet,” CEO Dimitris Gerogiannis said in a statement.

Currently, five of the carrier's twenty A320-200Ns and six of the fourteen A321-200NX are inactive. Aegean said in the annual report that in the second half of 2024, between eight and 10 aircraft were grounded at any given time due to Pratt & Whitney engine issues.

"[The groundings] restricted capacity growth particularly during the peak season, reduced the cost benefits from their use and created the need for additional leases. The compensation received by the company from the manufacturers is significant but not sufficient to offset all effects from the groundings," the airline added.

Aegean Airlines initially placed the order in 2018 and the first deliveries started in 2020. ch-aviation fleets shows the airline’s in-house fleet currently comprises twenty-eight A320-200s, twenty A320-200Ns, four A321-200s, and fourteen A321-200NX. It also wet-leases capacity (three ATR42-600s, twelve ATR72-600s, and one DHC-8-100) from its subsidiary Olympic Air on certain domestic routes.

Airbus Updates No.4445

 

Qanot Sharq to lease five long-range A321neo

Qanot Sharq (HH, Tashkent International) has signed a dry-lease contract for five extended-range A321-200neo, including two A321-200NX(LR)s and three A321-200NY(XLR)s, from Air Lease Corporation.

The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027, and will come from the lessor's existing orderbook with Airbus. The lessor has unfilled orders for twenty-two A321-200NX(LR)s and thirty A321-200NY(XLR)s.

Qanot Sharq, Uzbekistan's second-largest airline, currently operates two A320-200s, two A321-200NX, and two A330-200s. All six aircraft are dry-leased from Air Lease Corporation. The carrier also wet-leases one more A330-200 from Southwind Airlines. The airline did not disclose any specific plans for the newly contracted extended-range A321neo.

Airbus Updates No.4440

Thai Airways leases more Airbus A321neos

SMBC Aviation Capital has announced, on 5 February 2025, that it has signed a lease-agreement with Thai Airways. The deal is for eight Airbus A321neos that are planned to be delivered to the airline between 2026 and 2027. The A321neos are coming from SMBC's existing orderbook it has with the European manufacturer.

The eight will join ten A321neos Thai Airways is going to lease from AerCap, of which the first is set to arrive later this year. These leases were announced in February 2024.

The airline will use its new Airbuses to replace its current fleet of 20 Airbus A320s. Thai's fleet further consists of five A330-300s, 23 A350-900s, five Boeing B777-200ERs, seventeen B777-300ERs, six B787-8s, and three B787-9s.

Airbus Updates No.4416

Korean Air increases Airbus A321neo-order

In a filing to the South Korean Stock Exchange, Korean Air has disclosed it has decided to firm-up options on six Airbus A321neos into firm orders.

Last year, in October 2023, the airline also ordered additional A321neos and has now in total ordered 56 of them. Of these, it has taken, so far, delivery of fifteen of them.

Subsidiary Asiana Airlines is also an A321neo-operator and has eleven of them in the fleet. The airline also holds orders on fourteen more.

Photo by Anton Homma.

Airbus Updates No.4410

 

Air India orders 10 A350s and 90 A320neo Family aircraft

Air India (AI, Delhi International) has ordered ten incremental A350 Family widebodies and ninety incremental A320neo Family narrowbodies. The newly announced deal has increased the airline's firm order book placed with Airbus since its privatisation to 350 aircraft, of which six - all A350-900s - have already been delivered.

The airline did not disclose the timeline for the deliveries of the newly disclosed aircraft. It also did not detail the variant split in either of the aircraft families (other than saying that the narrowbody order will also include the A321-200N variant). A spokesperson told ch-aviation that the airline was not ready to disclose this information just yet.

Airbus confirmed that the orders were formalised earlier this year and are already logged in the manufacturer's order book for 2024.

The carrier's order book with manufacturers currently comprises seventy A320-200Ns and 140 A321-200NX with CFM International LEAP-1A engines, fourteen A350-900s (with six already in service), twenty A350-1000s, 105 B737-8s, fifty B737-10s, and twenty B787-9s with General Electric GEnx engines, and ten B777-9s. Its in-service fleet already includes 101 A320-200Ns, thirteen A321-200NX, and one A321-200NX(LR) in terms of the A320neo Family.

Airbus Updates No.4387

 

Saudi Arabia’s start-up airline places £6bn plane order in challenge to Gulf rivals

Riyadh Air has lodged a mammoth $8bn (£6bn) aircraft order as it ramps up efforts to take on established Middle Eastern carriers such as Emirates.

The Saudi Arabian start-up airline, which is bankrolled by the Saudi state, has struck a deal to buy 60 A321neo short-haul jets from Airbus.

This is in addition to an earlier agreement for 39 Boeing wide-bodies announced last year, which includes the option for another 33.

The Airbus order marks the latest step in Riyadh Air’s bid to muscle in on a Gulf market dominated by some of the world’s biggest airlines, including Dubai-based Emirates and Qatar Airways.

Chief executive Tony Douglas said the Airbus jets will help “support economic growth” by establishing the comprehensive route network needed to transform the city of Riyadh into a global aviation hub.

The move to establish a new airline is a key element of Saudi Arabia’s bid to reduce its reliance on oil by diversifying into new sectors such as transport and tourism.

The airline, which plans to commence flights next year, is also understood to be pursuing an additional deal for more wide-body jets as it looks to expand its fleet further.

It is also exploring plans to enter the cargo market.

Riyadh Air has said it wants to offer flights to 100 global destinations by the end of the decade, which will support Saudi Arabia’s bid to attract 100m tourists a year.

Mr Douglas revealed his ambitions for the airline in an interview with The Telegraph earlier this year: “It’s no secret that for a long time, Saudi Arabia has lagged way behind in terms of global connectivity, and there’s no good example anywhere in the world of a sustainable, fast-growing economy that hasn’t got good connectivity.

“The Kingdom needs a new world-class national carrier that will be its own version of Emirates and Qatar Airways, and the answer to that is Riyadh Air.”

Meanwhile, the deal capped a positive day for Airbus, which also revealed that profits rose 39pc to hit €1.4bn in the three months to September.