It seems the post-show orders are trickling in with SMBC Aviation Capital planning to add additional Airbus single-aisle aircraft to its portfolio.
The lessor is planning to add a further 60 A320neo Family aircraft taking its total for the type to nearly 340 aircraft purchased directly from Airbus.
This order, along with others the lessor holds will ensure a pipeline of aircraft that will be delivered beyond the end of the decade, whilst deepening Airbus and SMBC Aviation Capital’s long-standing strategic partnership on the A320neo Family programme.
No models have been selected at the time of the announcement, but these could range from the A320neo through to the A321XLR programmes, depending on what SMBC Aviation’s customers require to lease.
In Quotes
Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital said:
“This transaction is further testament of sustained global demand for technologically advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft, and comes amidst the continuing strong recovery in air travel worldwide,”
“With sustainability and operational efficiency remaining key priorities for our customers, we anticipate even greater demand for aircraft such as the A320neo and the A321neo in the years ahead. We look forward to strengthening our valued partnership with Airbus as we help our customers navigate these priorities.”
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International added:
“SMBC Aviation Capital’s latest decision to reinvest for the long term in the A320neo Family shows a great confidence and commitment to what is, and is continuing to be, the most successful aircraft programme ever,”
“As one of the world’s leading aircraft lessors, SMBC Aviation Capital is committing to its sustainable aviation roadmap through the world’s most efficient single aisle products. We very much appreciate our working relationship with SMBC and thank them sincerely for their continued confidence. ”
Growing the fleet
SMBC Aviation Capital has a significant Airbus fleet (as well as orders from Boeing), with them owning over 5100 aircraft.
As of June the lessor had 93 A320-200, 133 A320neo, 33 A321-200, 38 A321neo, 12 A350-900 and two A350-1000 in its fleet. The lessor has commitments for 91 A32neo and 35 A321neo aircraft, as well as 57 Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft.
The 60 aircraft will provide a large en9ugh to0-up to allow for further marketing of aircraft to customers, allowing SMBC to offer new aircraft to its customers, as they seek to build fleets or lease replacement aircraft.
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