SMBC Aviation Capital orders 65 Airbus A320neo aircraft

Aircraft lessor SMBC Aviation Capital has boosted its total order book for the Airbus A320neo family to 181 aircraft after signing a firm order for an additional 65 A320neo family aircraft (15 A321neo and 50 A320neo). The order was finalized in 2018 and included in the year-end order figures. At list price, the order is valued at more than $7.4 billion.

In addition, the agreement includes an upsizing of 15 A320neo from a pre-existing order to 15 of the largest member of the single-aisle family – the A321neo – taking SMBC Aviation Capital’s total for the type to 30. The A321neo lets airlines expand their networks on longer-haul routes which were not previously possible with a single-aisle jetliner.

“In the current environment, airlines are seeking more fuel-efficient aircraft. The make-up of our order book positions us very well for the future to deliver on those needs,” said Peter Barrett, CEO, SMBC Aviation Capital.

The order for 65 is in addition to an earlier agreement for six A320neo made in March 2018, bringing the total number of A320neo family ordered in 2018 to 71.

“In 2018, the direct leasing market represented over 30% of our 800 worldwide deliveries – as much as Europe and the Americas combined,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

The A320neo family incorporates new generation engines, Sharklets, and cabin efficiency enablers, which together offer 20% fuel savings by 2020. The A320neo family has more than 6,500 orders received from more than 100 customers since its launch in 2010.