BOC Aviation, the Singapore-based aircraft leasing subsidiary of Bank of China, has announced during the 15th Aviation Expo China 2013 in Beijing an additional firm order for the purchase of 25 A320 Family aircraft comprising 13 A320ceo and 12 A320neo family aircraft. The order comprises A320 and A321 variants. BOC Aviation will make its engine selection at a later date.
The order from BOC Aviation for 25 more A320 Family aircraft comes less than a year after their previous order for 50 A320 Family aircraft, confirming the fast pace at which the market requires Airbus’ fuel efficient single-aisle planes.
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.
“The Airbus A320 and A321 family has a proven track record of operational efficiency as well as the support of airline customers seeking a superior travel experience for passengers taking short-haul and medium-haul routes,” said Robert Martin, BOC Aviation’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. “The fact that we have placed orders for 75 of these aircraft in less than a year speaks of our commitment to our customers to be their lessor of choice with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft for their benefit and for the comfort of their customers.”
“The announcement from BOC Aviation is another vote of confidence in the long-term appeal of our popular A320 Family, both the current engine option and the NEO,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “It already has a wide operator base, proven excellence in operating economics and strong residual values, all factors the financial community welcomes. BOC Aviation’s latest re-order for A320 Family aircraft puts the company in a strong position as a top tier leasing company tapping into some of the world’s fastest growing markets.”
Including this latest purchase agreement, BOC Aviation’s cumulative orders for new Airbus aircraft reach a total of 212 (206 A320 Family and six A330 Family aircraft).
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 August 2013, firm orders for the NEO stood at 2,348 from 42 customers, making it the fastest selling commercial airliner ever and underlining its market leadership position with close to 60 percent market share.
The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, more than to 9,800 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and over 5,700 delivered to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide.
