Airbus Announces Big A320neo Family Order

Airbus has secured a sizable order for its A320neo family from leading aircraft lessor SMBC Aviation Capital.

The deal was published on Airbus’ newsroom and comes in a matter of days following the conclusion of the 2023 Dubai Airshow.

This is typically where manufacturers will look to announce key deals thanks to the ability to obtain significant traction.

Breaking Down The Deal

A total of 60 Airbus A320neo family aircraft have been committed to by the leading lessor. As a result, the total has been brought upwards to nearly 340 aircraft purchased.

Thanks to this latest commitment, SMBC Aviation Capital will see continued deliveries through the decade’s end.

Airbus and SMBC Aviation Capital believe this only enhanced their long-standing strategic partnership.

Comments From Executives

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.

Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital.

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

Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

About SMBC Aviation Capital

SMBC Aviation Capital is owned by a consortium of esteemed Japanese institutions, including Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company Limited (SMFL), and Sumitomo Corporation.

With headquarters in the key International Financial Services Centre of Dublin, Amsterdam, Beijing, Hong Kong, Kyiv, Moscow, New York, Seattle, Miami, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, and Toulouse, the company operates with a team of 160 dedicated professionals.

SMBC Aviation Capital’s portfolio comprises 453 aircraft, of which 273 are owned and 180 are under management per data.

Looking ahead, the company has hundreds of aircraft on order from leading manufacturers of Airbus and Boeing.

A client base for SMBC spreads across over 50 counties and over 100 airlines. Therefore, the leading lessor is hugely pivotal to many companies’ success within the market.