Avolon has signed a binding agreement for its order of 20 new A330neo aircraft from Airbus. The order firms up a memorandum of understanding signed at the Paris Airshow in June. The new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered between 2025 and 2028.
Avolon was a launch customer for the A330neo programme in 2014 and says that it has been enjoying “strong customer demand for additional widebody aircraft” having fully placed its current orderbook. With over 1,400 A330ceo aircraft in operation, airlines are reported to be considering options to upgrade to the A330neo aircraft, which has an increased range of range of over 13,300km (7,200 nautical miles) and 25% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Avolon’s agreement with Airbus also confirms that 50 of the A320neo aircraft the lessor has on order with Airbus will convert to the larger A321neo model.
“We see a high level of widebody demand within the delivery window for these aircraft,” said Andy Cronin, CEO of Avolon. “With our existing widebody pipeline already placed, these new aircraft will support our future growth plans and allow us to provide options for carriers looking to replace older A330ceo aircraft with the more fuel efficient A330neo. The order builds on our strong relationship with Airbus as a launch customer for the A330neo, and our position as the leading lessor for this aircraft type.”
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus commented: “It’s fantastic to see Avolon once again commit additional investment in the A330neo aircraft and lead the lessor market reordering widebody aircraft. Avolon’s vision and timing could not be better with this commitment for a further 20 aircraft to its portfolio. Avolon will benefit from the strong wave of growth and replacements that we currently observe across all markets, and we welcome our continuing partnership with them.”
Meanwhile, Aviation Capital Group (ACG) has finalised an order for 13 737 MAX jets, increasing the lessor's order book to 47 737 MAXs.
The new, incremental order includes seven 737-8 and six 737-10 jets as ACG grows its single-aisle options to meet customer demand.
"We are pleased to expand ACG's commitment to the 737 MAX program. This additional order will allow ACG to offer highly fuel efficient and versatile aircraft to our airline customers worldwide," said Steven Udvar-Hazy, senior vice president and chief of aircraft operations at ACG.
Lessors have ordered more than 1,300 737 MAX jets. The 737-8 can carry up to 210 passengers based on configuration with a range of 3,500 nautical miles, while the 737-10, the largest 737 MAX model, seats up to 230 passengers with a range of 3,100 nautical miles.
"ACG's growing and diverse 737 MAX portfolio allows its customers to operate a more sustainable, efficient fleet," said Christy Reese, Boeing vice president of Global Leasing Commercial Sales & Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We look forward to helping ACG deliver the most fuel-efficient airplanes in the industry to its airline partners.