BOC Aviation has signed a deal to buy 30 Airbus A320 family aircraft for delivery between 2012 and 2014.
"The current order is timely as the aviation industry has returned to profitability and airlines are looking to add capacity," says BOC Aviation CEO Robert Martin. "In the last three years, we successfully doubled the size of our fleet and have over 160 aircraft as of today."
This order brings BOC Aviation's total A320 family orders to 128, of which 80 have been delivered. The Singapore-based leasing company says it will announce its decision on the new A320s' engines "shortly."
"The announcement from BOC Aviation is another vote of confidence in the long-term appeal of the A320 family," says Airbus COO John Leahy. "It works well for the financial community based on its wide operator base, proven operating economics and strong residual values."
Lessors of the new A320s will have the option to select sharklets, which are large wing tip devices that cut fuel burn by 3.5%, and which enhance environmental and payload-range performance, says BOC Aviation.
The order is BOC Aviation's second this month. On 2 November the company placed an order for eight Boeing 777-300ERs to be leased to Thai Airways International on a long-term basis. Powered by General Electric GE90-115BL engines, the new 777s will be delivered from August 2012 to October 2013.
BOC Aviation has a portfolio of 163 aircraft, with 69 aircraft on firm order and four on committed purchase and leaseback for delivery through to 2014.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
