Singapore-based jet-leasing group BOC Aviation ordered five A321ceo narrow-body aircraft from Airbus SAS, jets that the Bank of China holding indicated it has already leased to an unnamed Asian airline. The leasing group reported the purchase value at $574.5 million, though Airbus has not confirmed that total.
The new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in 2017.
"We have increased our order for the A321 in response to the market trend and appetite for larger capacity single-aisle aircraft," stated BOC Aviation managing director and CEO Robert Martin. “Our incremental order reflects the continued popularity, confidence and reliability of the A320 family among our customers.”
For Airbus, the new order expands on one that BOC Aviation placed in January for 15 A321s, eight A321neos and seven A321ceos. The A321 is the largest version of the A320 family, with seating capacity for up to 220 passengers. The A321neo is the “new engine option,” available with a choice of the CFM International LEAP-1A or the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G. Engines offered with the A320ceo are the CFM International CFM56 or International Aero Engines’ V2500.
Airbus lists BOC Aviation among its top 10 customers. Including the latest order, BOC Aviation has orders in place for 311 new Airbus aircraft, of which 12 will be A330s (of these, five are freighters) and 299 are A320 family aircraft, including 67 A321s (16 A321neos and 51 A321ceos.)
“The A320 Family aircraft is a sound financial asset as confirmed by leading lessor BOC Aviation, based in the world’s fastest growing aviation market,” stated John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer -Customers. “This order also confirms the trend by customers to increase capacity by upsizing to larger aircraft models.”
