British Airways A320

Airbus has logged an $8.9bn firm order for 100 single aisle A320 airliners from two Chinese carriers, Air China and its subsidiary Shenzhen Airlines.

Air China has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire 60 A320 series jets for $5.37bn, based on list prices, and delivery of the aircraft is expected in stages between 2014 and 2020.

Shenzhen Airlines will purchase 40 A320 series aircraft for $3.4bn, with the delivery of airliners expected in stages between 2016 and 2020.

Both airlines will acquire 40 current engine versions of the A320, as well as 60 more fuel-efficient versions with the A320neo.

Air China will purchase 27 A320 airliners with the current engine option and 33 A320neos, while Shenzhen will acquire 13 current engine version of A320s and 27 A320neos.

The A320neo, which will be powered by new engines on Airbus’ A320 single-aisle series, has received 2,125 firm orders from 40 customers worldwide since Airbus started offering the airliner in December 2011.

The A320 family of aircraft has logged more than 9,400 orders to date, with more than 5,500 delivered in excess of 385 customers and operators globally.

"The A320 family of aircraft has logged more than 9,400 orders to date."

Air China stated that the new aircraft purchase would expand the overall fleet capacity of the group, as well as optimise its fleet structure.

The group expects that the new Airbus airliners will offer cost-effective performance and provide a more comfortable service to passengers.

The purchase will be funded through cash generated from business operations, commercial bank loans and other financial instruments.

As part of the deal, Airbus has agreed to buy back six A340 series aircraft from Air China based on an earlier arrangement.

Image: An Airbus A320 in operation with British Airways. Photo: file image.

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