Airbus Updates No.3642

ALC order for 111 Airbus aircraft at Dubai Air Show - Launch customer for the Airbus A350F.

• Joint creation of a sustainability fund to foster industry decarbonisation solutions
• Order covers all Airbus families, A220, A320, A330 and A350

Dubai, 15 November 2021 – Air Lease Corporation (ALC) (NYSE: AL) has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) covering all Airbus Families, highlighting the power of the company’s full product range. The agreement is for 25 A220-300s, 55 A321neos, 20 A321XLRs, four A330neos and includes seven A350Fs. The order which will be finalised in the coming months, makes the Los Angeles based ALC one of Airbus’ largest customers and lessor with the biggest A220 order book. Founded in 2010, ALC has ordered a total of 496 Airbus aircraft to date.

With this order ALC and Airbus are launching a multi-million dollar ESG fund initiative that will contribute towards investment into sustainable aviation development projects that will in the future be opened to multiple stakeholders from the aircraft leasing and financing community and beyond.

“This new order announcement is the culmination of many months of hard work and dedication by both organizations to optimize and fine tune the size and scope of this large aircraft transaction in view of the rapidly growing global airline demand to modernize their jet fleets through the ALC leasing medium,” said Steven F Udvar-Hazy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “After lengthy and detailed consultations with several dozen of our strategic airline customers around the world, we are focusing this comprehensive order on the most desirable and in demand aircraft types, covering the A220, A321neo, A330neo and A350 families. ALC is an international Market Leader in each of these categories of the most modern Airbus product lineup. These multi- year additions of new technology aircraft assets to ALC’s expanding portfolio will allow us to grow our revenues and profitability while satisfying our airline customer requirements.”

Udvar-Hazy added: ”ALC was the launch customer for the very popular A321LR and XLR versions. Now, we become the launch lessor for the A350F and by far the largest lessor customer for the A220. We had the vision to be first adopters of the A321 and are convinced we have made the right choice again on the A220 and A350F, responding to what we see the market will need in the period of recovery ahead. In addition we are very enthusiastic to have inked a partnership for a sustainability fund which will contribute to the green future for our industry.”

“With this major order, we underscore our confidence not only in the strong future and growth of global commercial air transport, but in ALC’s business model, in our specific aircraft purchase decisions including, for the first time, the new A350 Freighter, and finally in our long term view that ordering new aircraft is an optimum investment of our shareholder capital,” said John Plueger, Air Lease Corporation CEO and President. “Moreover, we and Airbus hereby announce the first ever joint ESG initiative in aircraft procurement by creating a multi-million dollar fund for sustainable aviation development projects critical to the future”.

“This is a major announcement for Airbus in 2021. ALC’s order signals we’re moving beyond the Covid doldrums. With foresight, ALC is solidifying its order portfolio for the most desirable aircraft types as we exit the crisis and in particular, it has seen the formidable value the A350F brings to the cargo market. ALC’s endorsement confirms the global enthusiasm we see for this quantum leap in the freighter space and we applaud its insightfulness in selecting it and in beating everyone to the finish line for the first A350F order announcement. In addition we agreed to make our sustainable aviation vision part of this agreement which is a  priority for us both,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

The A220 is the only aircraft purpose built for the 100-150 seat market delivering an unbeatable 25% better fuel efficiency* and with widebody passenger comfort in a single-aisle aircraft. The A321 Family which includes the XLR version with up to 4,700nm long range and 30% lower fuel consumption* combined with the A330neo are ideal partners for the so-called middle of the market segment. The A350F, based on the world's most modern long range leader optimised for cargo operations offering at least 20% lower fuel burn than the competition and the only new generation freighter aircraft ready for the 2027 ICAO CO2 emissions standards.

Airbus Updates No.1210

China Aviation Supplies (CAS) opts for 70 A320 Family aircraft

An important endorsement for Airbus’ single aisle Family

10 OCTOBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CAS) and Airbus have signed a General Terms Agreement (GTA) for the purchase of a total of 70 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, reflecting the strong demand from Chinese carriers for the leading Airbus single-aisle Family for domestic, low cost, regional and international operations. The GTA was signed by Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO and Li Hai, President of CAS.

“We are grateful to China for its strong vote of confidence in our leading A320 Family aircraft, and are happy to see them assembled at our Chinese facilities,” said Fabrice Brégier. “Our 30 year history of partnership with China keeps growing and expanding through these types of agreements.”

 At present, the in-service Airbus fleet with Chinese operators comprises over 1,000 aircraft (around 140 A330 Family and over 920 A320 Family aircraft). In the 20 year period between 2014 to 2033 Airbus forecasts a demand in China for more than 5,300 new commercial aircraft over 100 seats plus freighters.

Today more than 900 in service A320 Family aircraft operate with 16 Chinese carriers and over 190 A320 Family aircraft have been assembled and delivered from the FALC in Tianjin. The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with more than 11,000 orders to date and over 6,200 aircraft delivered. Thanks to its wide cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer the industry’s best level of comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard.  

Airbus Updates No.1181

BOC Aviation orders an additional 43 A320 Family aircraft

Confirms A320 Family continues to be favourite with lessors worldwide

15 JULY 2014 PRESS RELEASE

BOC Aviation, the Singapore-based aircraft leasing subsidiary of Bank of China, has announced an order for an additional 43 A320 Family aircraft, comprising seven A320neo Family aircraft and 36 A320ceo aircraft across A320 and A321 variants, at the Farnborough International Airshow 2014. The announcement was made by Robert Martin, BOC Aviation’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. The first eight A320ceo aircraft powered by engines from IAE have been placed. Engine decisions for the rest of the fleet will follow.

“Following our order of 38 A320ceo aircraft in the last 18 months, all of which are now placed, we are seeing additional demand for both A320ceo’s and NEOs,” said Robert Martin, BOC Aviation’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. “By adding this order to our pipeline for the next five years, we are confident at meeting the needs of airlines which are expanding or replacing older fleets.”

“It’s great to see one of the world’s leading lessors, BOC Aviation, based in the fast growing Asian market, continuing to invest in our market leading A320 Family,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “This tells us that not only are our aircraft universally recognised as the industry’s benchmark for efficiency, comfort and reliability but also underlines the financial community’s confidence in the A320 Family as a sound financial asset.” 

Including this latest purchase agreement, BOC Aviation’s cumulative orders for new Airbus aircraft have reached 255, as of  June 30th  2014, 142 of these have already been delivered, and another 55 committed to lease.

As of June 30th 2014, BOC Aviation’s fleet of 251 aircraft includes 109 Airbus aircraft operated by 27 airlines. There are 98 A320 Family aircraft in the fleet.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with more than 10,500 orders to date and over 6,100 aircraft delivered. Thanks to its wide cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer the industry’s best level of comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard.  The newest member of the A320 Family, the A320neo, incorporates new generation engines and Sharklets (wing tip devices) which together deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. At the end of June 2014, firm orders for the NEO reached over 2,800 aircraft from 55 customers, representing a 60 per cent market share in its category.

Airbus Updates No.1167

Air New Zealand selects A320neo Family to modernise single aisle fleet

A321neo and A320neo maximises flexibility, efficiency and range

1 JUNE 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Following Air New Zealand’s 2009 order for A320 Family aircraft, the airline has selected the added efficiency and performance of the NEO with an order for three A321neo, 10 A320neo and one additional A320ceo aircraft. The agreement marks the first time Air New Zealand has ordered the larger A321 aircraft and the NEO. Engine selection and cabin configuration will be made at a later date.

The A321 is the largest member of the A320 Family offering the best seat mile costs of any single aisle. The A320 Family fuselage is seven inches wider than competing aircraft and with a cargo hold designed for industry standard containers and pallets.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the purchase confirms the airline’s intention to have an Airbus narrow body fleet. “Operating one narrow body aircraft type will bring important efficiencies in training, maintenance and operating costs.  The new Airbus NEO will help ensure we continue to operate one of the world’s youngest jet fleets and will further drive fuel efficiency allowing us to minimise our carbon footprint.”

“The NEO offers even further gains – a 15 per cent fuel burn reduction or up to 950 kilometres added range, and significantly reduced noise. Passengers appreciate the A320 Family has the widest and most comfortable cabin, and this re-order is proof that it also offers unmatched performance and productivity,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with more than 10,200 orders to date and over 6,000 aircraft delivered. The latest version A320neo incorporates new engines and "Sharklet" wing tip devices which together deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. At the end of April 2014, firm orders for the NEO reached over 2,700 aircraft from 50 customers, representing a 60 per cent share market share in its category.

Airbus Updates No.1137

Zhejiang Loong Airlines firms up order for 20 A320 Family aircraft

Airline becomes new Airbus customer and operator

30 DECEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Zhejiang Loong Airlines, based in Hangzhou, capital city of Zhejiang province in Eastern China, has signed its first purchase agreement with Airbus, for 20 A320 Family aircraft, including 11 A320ceo and nine A320neo, becoming the lastest Airbus customer. The agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September at the Beijing Airshow. 

In addition Zhejiang Loong Airlines has also become the latest Airbus operator in mainland China, having completed its maiden commercial flight with a leased A320.

“Today is a special day for Zhejiang Loong Airlines as we start passenger operation and order 20 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, which demonstrates our ambition to contribute to the economic and social development of Zhejiang province by providing efficient transportation,” said Liu Qihong, Chairman of Zhejiang Loong Airlines. “We are making efforts to play a more important role in building the four-hour transportation circle around Hangzhou, which is advocated by the Zhejiang Government. The Airbus A320 Family aircraft is ideal for us to achieve our goals with advantages in operational reliability, economics, cabin space and its commonality between different types of Airbus aircraft.”

“We congratulate Zhejiang Loong Airlines on becoming a new customer and operator of the best-selling Airbus A320 Family” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “The A320 is the most eco-efficient single-aisle aircraft family and a world-class customer support network will provide Zhejiang Loong Airlines with an excellent platform to benefit from the economic growth in the region.”

The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 Family and incorporates new more efficient engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. At the end of November 2013, firm orders for the NEO stood at 2,523 from 45 customers, making it the fastest selling commercial airliner ever and underlining its market leadership position.
The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, more than to 10,000 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and some 5,850 delivered to around 395 customers and operators worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1097

IAG airline group announces Airbus orders 

INTERNATIONAL Airlines Group (IAG), parent of British Airways and Iberia, has announced firm orders and options for up to 220 Airbus A320 family shorthaul aircraft.

The London-based company said up to 120 of the orders were for Spanish subsidiary airline Vueling, enabling it to "replace some of its existing A320 fleet and expand its business".

The Vueling agreement is made up of 62 firm orders -- 30 A320ceo and 32 A320neo -- to be delivered between 2015 and 2020, and 58 options.

IAG has also secured 100 options for the A320neo, the family's latest model, which could be used by British Airways, Iberia or Vueling.

"Vueling has managed to successfully expand its business profitably by targeting both growth markets and those areas where weak competitors are reducing capacity," explained IAG chief executive, Willie Walsh.

IAG said it had negotiated "a very substantial discount" from the list prices, which are $US81.8 million ($A90.31 million) for the A320ceo and $US92.0 million for the A320neo.

Its shareholders will need to approve the firm orders at a meeting later this year.

Airbus Updates No.1014

Airbus win Chinese Orders for 100 A320 Aircraft......................

PARIS--European aircraft company Airbus said Friday it has booked firm orders valued at $9.67 billion on the basis of list prices for 100 of its medium-haul, single aisle A320 aircraft from two Chinese airlines: Air China and its subsidiary Shenzhen Airlines.

A spokesman for the Toulouse, France-based company said Air China is taking 60 of the planes and Shenzhen the remaining 40. The two airlines are buying 40 of the current engine version of the A320, a workhorse of low-cost airlines around the world, as well as 60 of a future, more fuel-efficient version called the A320neo.

Air China is taking 27 current A320 aircraft, and 33 A320neos, while Shenzhen has signed for 13 A320s with the current engine option and 27 A320neos.

Deliveries will start in 2014, an Airbus official said. 

Airbus Updates No.991

Nepal Airlines selects the Airbus A320 for fleet modernisation

Sharklet equipped to save up to four percent in fuel burn

29 April 2013Press Release

Nepal’s national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to buy two Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices. Sharklets deliver up to four percent savings in fuel consumption making the aircraft a cornerstone of NAC’s fleet modernisation.

The A320 was chosen for its unbeatable economics, its unique performance capability required for high altitude airport operations and its flexibility that enables it to be deployed on a wide variety of routes.

“For a landlocked nation, aviation really is our window to the world and the world’s window to us. Nepal offers explorers, trekkers and pleasure seekers a wide range of cultural, ecological and outdoor pursuits. Adding the A320 to our fleet, will help us to capitalise on tourism growth and to enhance our network using the most fuel efficient aircraft available,” said Madan Kharel, Managing Director, Nepal Airlines Corporation.

The A320 is fully equipped to benefit from Required Navigation Performance (RNP) allowing the aircraft to fly precisely along predefined routes using state-of-the-art onboard navigation systems. This is particularly useful for operations at high altitude airports which are constrained by mountains such as Kathmandu.

“The A320 is the most capable and efficient aircraft that can serve challenging airports like Kathmandu. The Sharklets will deliver four per cent less fuel burn, so for a landlocked nation such as Nepal, these aircraft will be a lifeline and economic driver for prosperity. We are delighted to welcome Nepal Airlines as our newest customer,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

NAC was incorporated on 1 July 1958 through the enactment of the Nepal Airlines Corporation Act. 1962. The Airline currently flies to four international destinations and 25 spectacular domestic locations in the heart of the Himalayas.

The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. More than 9,400 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold to more than 385 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner ever. 

Airbus Updates No.987

China’s CAS signs GTA with Airbus for 60 aircraft

Eco-efficient Airbus aircraft support fast growing Chinese civil aviation

25 April 2013Press Release

China Aviation Supplies Holding Company (CAS) has signed a General Terms Agreement (GTA) with Airbus for the purchase of 60 Airbus aircraft, which includes 42 A320 Family aircraft and 18 A330 aircraft.

The GTA was signed today at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing by Li Hai, President and CEO of CAS and Fabrice Brégier, President and CEO of Airbus in the presence of the visiting French President François Hollande and the Chinese President Xi Jinping. It was part of a series of France-China agreements signed today.

“We are delighted to receive a new order from our long-standing customer CAS for both the Airbus best-selling single aisle A320 Family and wide-body A330 Family,” said Fabrice Brégier, President and CEO of Airbus. “The A320’s high reliability and low operational cost has made it very popular with Chinese airlines. As congestion puts pressure on airports in large cities in China, the A330 is an excellent solution as larger aircraft can transport more passengers with less flights. The comfort of the A330’s spacious cabin is also appealing to passengers. These eco-efficient Airbus aircraft will contribute to the growth and success of China’s aviation sector,” said Fabrice Brégier.

By the end of March 2013, there were some 750 A320 Family aircraft in operation with 14 Chinese airlines and more than 110 A330s in operation with six operators.

More than 9,400 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and more than 5,500 delivered to more than 385 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft Family. With 99.7 per cent reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the worldwide standard wide-body system.

The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, and includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,200 orders, with around 900 aircraft flying with some 90 operators worldwide. Ever since the original version of the A330-300 entered service, the hallmark has been its very efficient operating economics. Thanks to the introduction of numerous product improvements, it still remains the most cost-efficient and capable aircraft in its class and the family is achieving average dispatch reliability above 99 percent.

Airbus Updates No.968

Mandala Air To Buy 18 Airbus A320s

April 5, 2013

Indonesian airline Mandala Airlines plans to buy 18 Airbus A320s worth USD$1.6 billion by 2014, in an effort to capture growing middle class travel in Southeast Asia's largest economy, its major shareholder said on Friday.

Mandala, which operates domestic routes and partners with minority shareholder Singapore's Tiger Airways for international flights, currently operates seven A320s. Mandala will use an existing Tiger option to buy the Airbus jets.

"Our target is to get two million passengers this year. We're adding more fleet and by the end of 2014 we should have 25 planes," said Sandiaga Uno, chief of investment firm Saratoga Investama Sedaya, which holds a 51 percent stake in Mandala.

The expansion plans are a turnaround for Mandala, which Saratoga and Tiger rescued in 2011 after it halted operations because of debt problems. They also underline fast growth and increasing competition for aviation in the world's fourth most populous nation.

Uno said the airline is now aiming for a 20 percent share in a market dominated by Lion Air, which recently agreed a record USD$24 billion order for Airbus planes.

Saratoga Investama is planning an initial public offering in the second quarter to raise capital to co-invest with its private equity affiliate Saratoga Capital.

(Reuters)

Airbus Updates No.946

Turkish Airlines places its biggest order ever with Airbus

Up to 117 A320 Family aircraft including first order for the NEO

15 March 2013Press Release

Turkish Airlines, the largest airline in Turkey, has signed a contract for up to 117 A320 Family aircraft (25 A321ceo, 4 A320neo, 53 A321neo and options for 35 additional A321neo aircraft). This order is the largest ever placed by a Turkish carrier. The engine selection will be made at a later date.

“We are placing our biggest ever order with Airbus,” said Faruk Cizmecioglu, Chief Marketing Officer. “At Turkish Airlines our customers expect the best. The A320 Family with its economic benefits combined with superior cabin comfort will greatly contribute to meet our ambitious growth plans.”

“We are delighted with this new order from Turkish Airlines, which takes us above 2,000 NEO orders in a little over two years after launch” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “This order confirms that the NEO is the most cost effective and profitable solution for airlines with ambitious growth plans. The 15 per cent fuel saving and the widest cabin in its class give Turkish Airlines a big competitive advantage.”

Turkish Airlines already operates 75 A320 Family aircraft. The new order will help Turkish Airlines expand their short to medium-haul routes from their Istanbul hub, while the aircraft’s commonality with their existing Airbus fleet will generate additional cost-savings.

Incorporating new engines and large Sharklet wing tip devices, the A320neo Family will deliver fuel savings of 15 percent. In addition, the A320neo Family will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise. The A320neo will enter into service from late 2015, followed by the A319neo and A321neo in 2016.

More than 9,150 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and more than 5,450 delivered to more than 385 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft Family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

Airbus Updates No.900

BOC Aviation orders 50 A320 Family aircraft, including 25 NEO

Confirms strong market demand for current and new engine options

17 January 2013Press Release

BOC Aviation, the Singapore-based aircraft leasing subsidiary of Bank of China, has placed a new firm order, signed in December 2012, for the purchase of 50 A320 Family aircraft including 25 NEOs. The order comprises A320 and A321 variants of both engine options. BOC Aviation will make its engine selection for the aircraft at a later date.

BOC Aviation last placed an order for A320ceo Family aircraft in 2010. This order for A320neo Family aircraft will be its first for the new engine option. As an investor in aircraft, the Company seeks fuel-efficient aircraft that have a wide operator base and this order will further contribute to its growth.

"Airbus’ popular A320 and A321 aircraft with the current engine option are outstanding aircraft for airlines focusing on operational efficiency who want to offer their passengers a superior short to medium haul travel experience,” said Robert Martin, BOC Aviation’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. “The A320neo Family order reinforces our commitment to be a key player in the leasing industry as we make the latest eco-efficient aircraft available to our customers.”

“The announcement from BOC Aviation is another vote of confidence in the long-term appeal of our popular A320 Family. It works well for the financial community thanks to its wide operator base, its proven excellent operating economics as well as strong residual values," said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus. “With this latest order for A320 Family aircraft, BOC Aviation is well placed to continue to build on its position as a top tier leasing company.

Including this latest purchase agreement, BOC Aviation’s cumulative orders for new Airbus aircraft reach a total of 187 (181 A320 Family and six A330 Family aircraft), of which 131 have already been placed with airlines. BOC Aviation has also been growing its Airbus fleet through purchase and leaseback transactions with airlines. To date, BOC Aviation has successfully placed Airbus aircraft with over 40 airlines worldwide. BOC Aviation is the largest Asia-based aircraft leasing company and will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

The A320neo will enter into service from late 2015, followed by the A319neo and A321neo in 2016. The A320neo Family incorporates latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings which is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel - the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tons of C02 per aircraft per year. With more than 1,600 firm orders since its launch in December 2010, the A320neo Family is the fastest selling commercial aircraft programme ever.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, close to 8,900 aircraft have been ordered and over 5,300 delivered to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.881

Allegiant Travel Company Announces the Intention to Acquire Up to Nine A320 Aircraft

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)

 -- Allegiant Travel Company (Nasdaq:ALGT) today announced its intention to purchase up to nine used A320 aircraft. The average age of these aircraft at delivery is expected to be 12 years with a configuration of 177 seats. The aircraft have been most recently operated by Iberia.

"The A320 aircraft type is a perfect complement to the smaller A319 and will enable us to continue cost effective growth for years to come," said Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant President. "These transactions represent a tremendous opportunity to purchase a sizeable fleet of sister-ships with CFM powered engines, the same engine type as our A319s, at very attractive prices. Finding up to nine aircraft of this pedigree available for purchase is unusual in our experience. Historically it has been difficult to find owners willing to sell quality assets at this point in their life cycle. Our cash reserves and strong balance sheet continue to provide us a unique ability in the used aircraft space to move on these attractive opportunities."

"We do not expect a material change to our 2013 capacity as we will vary MD-80 utilization appropriately. As with the earlier acquisition of A319s, we are committed to only acquire aircraft at values that support our existing business model of relatively low fleet utilization," concluded Levy.

Seven aircraft are expected to be purchased in 2013 and two in 2014. With the addition of this transaction, Allegiant is now expecting 2013 total CAPEX to be between $270 and $280 million versus the previous guidance of $150 to $160 million. The company expects to finance the purchase of these aircraft with debt.

Allegiant expects to place the first A320 into service late in the third quarter of 2013 and all nine aircraft are expected to be in service by the end of 2014. No additional MD-80 retirements are planned as a result of this transaction.

Airbus Updates No.784

China’s ICBC Leasing places order for 50 Airbus A320 Family aircraft

Emerging lessor enhances portfolio with eco-efficient Airbus aircraft

30 August 2012

ICBC Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. (ICBC Leasing), has signed an agreement with Airbus for a total of 50 A320 Family aircraft, including 30 A320ceo and 20 A320neo.

The aircraft purchase agreement was signed at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing by Li Xiaopeng, Senior Executive Vice President of ICBC and Chairman of ICBC Leasing, and Fabrice Bregier, President and CEO of Airbus. It was a part of a series of Europe-China agreements signed in the presence of visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

“We decided to order more Airbus A320 Family aircraft, not only A320ceo but also A320neo, to enhance our portfolio in anticipation of increasing demand of the aviation markets in China, Asia Pacific region and the world as well. The order indicates that leasing companies are playing a more important role in the aviation sector,” said Li Xiaopeng, Senior Executive Vice President of ICBC and Chairman of ICBC Leasing.

“We are delighted to see ICBC Leasing placing another order for the world’s best selling single-aisle aircraft. In particular, the order for 20 A320neo makes ICBC Leasing the first Chinese customer for the fastest selling aircraft, which offers a 15 per cent fuel burn reduction. We are proud to support the growth of Chinese leasing companies with our eco-efficient aircraft,” added Fabrice Bregier, Airbus President and CEO.

By the end of July 2012, there were over 700 A320 Family aircraft in operation with 15 Chinese airlines.

As of today, more than 8,500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and more than 5,100 delivered to over 365 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft. The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

Airbus Updates No.606

AviancaTaca firms up order for 51 eco-efficient A320 aircraft

 

Purchase agreement is biggest for a single customer in Latin America history

26 January 2012 Press Release

 

AviancaTaca, which includes subsidiary AeroGal of Ecuador, has signed a purchase agreement for 33 eco-efficient A320neo and 18 A320 Family aircraft. The order, which is the largest from a single airline in the region in terms of number of aircraft, follows a MOU signed during the Le Bourget Air Show in Paris in June 2011.

The new aircraft will support AviancaTaca’s expansion into new markets in Latin America, while keeping the airline’s fleet among the youngest in the region.

“With this order AviancaTaca and our subsidiaries will continue the modernization process that includes fleet renewal as its primary focus,” said Fabio Villegas, President of AviacaTaca. “Our goal is to offer travelers the most comfortable and efficient aircraft in the market, and we are proud that the A320neo aircraft is recognized for its eco-efficiency and cutting-edge technology,”  

“At Airbus, we are very proud of our contribution to the success story of AviancaTaca,” said John Leahy, Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Thanks to its unbeatable operating costs and the comfort it offers to passengers, the A320 Family has become the first choice for single-aisle aircraft among the most important operators worldwide.”  

AviancaTaca has placed firm orders for 190 Airbus aircraft (including the latest 51) and has currently in service 88 A320 Family aircraft and eight A330. AviancaTaca operates the entire A320 Family, A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft.  

Over 8,300 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and some 5,000 delivered to more than340 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft Family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range. 

 

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. The reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel - the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6, and this aircraft also has a considerably smaller noise footprint.  

 

To date, Airbus has sold 666 aircraft in Latin America and has a backlog of 351. The number of Airbus aircraft in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean reaches 435 units. In the last 10 years, Airbus tripled its in-service fleet, while delivering more than 60 percent of all aircraft operating in the region. 

Airbus Updates No.602

Norwegian commits to 100 A320neo aircraft

 

Stunning A320neo sales success continues in 2012

25 January 2012 Press Release

 

Norwegian, one of the largest low-cost airlines in Europe, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 100 A320neo aircraft. The agreement, which makes Norwegian the latest customer for the A320neo and also a new customer for Airbus, was signed by Bjørn Kjos, Chief Executive Officer, Norwegian and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

The new aircraft will support Norwegian’s growth and modernisation strategy.  Norwegian (the brand name of Norwegian Air Shuttle AS) operates a network across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East, and is rapidly expanding its low cost operations. The new aircraft will feature a single class cabin layout, seating approximately 180 passengers. Norwegian’s engine decision will be announced at a later date. 

“The A320neo will enable us increasing capacity while decreasing our operating costs,” said Bjørn Kjos, Chief Executive Officer, Norwegian. “With this aircraft we will continue to boost our reputation for offering high quality, low fares service with the most modern and eco-efficient fleet of aircraft in Scandinavia”.

“We are very pleased to welcome Norwegian as an all-new Airbus customer. Their A320neo commitment is a further demonstration of the undisputable success of the A320neo’s record-setting credentials. The A320neo sets new industry standards for eco-efficiency and passenger appeal.” said John Leahy.  

Over 8,300 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and some 5,000 delivered to more than 340 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft Family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range. 

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. The reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel - the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6, and this aircraft also has a considerably smaller noise footprint.