China’s CAS orders 300 Airbus airliners

Airbus and China Aviation Supplies Holding Co. (CAS) officials signed a general terms agreement (GTA) covering the purchase by Chinese airlines of a total of 300 Airbus aircraft.

The GTA comprises 290 A320 family aircraft and 10 A350 XWB family aircraft, reflecting demand in all market segments including domestic, low cost, regional, and international long haul from Chinese carriers.

The GTA was signed in Paris, France by Jia Baojun, chairman of CAS, and Guillaume Faury, president of Airbus Commercial Aircraft and future Airbus CEO, in the presence of visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron.

“We are honored to support the growth of China’s civil aviation with our leading aircraft families – single aisle and widebodies,” Faury said. “Our expanding footprint in China demonstrates our lasting confidence in the Chinese market and our long-term commitment to China and our partners.”

According to Airbus’ latest China Market Forecast 2018 to 2037, China will need some 7,400 new passenger and freighter aircraft in the next 20 years. It represents more than 19% of the world total demand for more than 37,400 new aircraft.

By the end of January 2019, the in-service Airbus fleet with Chinese operators totaled 1,730 aircraft, of which 1,455 are A320 family, and 17 are A350 XWB family planes.

More than 14,600 A320 family aircraft have been ordered and more than 8,600 delivered with more than 6,500 being the A320neo family, launched in 2010, offering 20% fuel cost savings and nearly a 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.

The A350 XWB (300 to 400+ seats) is for market segments up to ultra-long haul (9,700nm). offering 25% reduction in fuel burn and emissions.