China Aircraft Leasing Group expands partnership with Airbus aircraft order

China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC) has finalized a firm order for 30 A320neo aircraft with Airbus, further solidifying its long-term collaboration with the European aircraft manufacturer. This agreement marks CALC’s fifth order with Airbus, elevating its cumulative aircraft commitments to Airbus to 282 units, of which 203 are A320neo models.

Mike Poon, executive director and CEO of CALC, emphasized the partnership’s mutual growth in a press release, stating, “We are proud to grow alongside Airbus and to continue providing our airline customers worldwide with high-value, modern aircraft solutions.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus’s executive vice president of Sales for Commercial Aircraft, noted that CALC, a valued partner since its first order in 2012, exemplifies “long-term confidence in the A320 family and the future of aviation.”

The A320neo aircraft family, the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft series with over 19,000 orders globally, is designed to deliver enhanced efficiency. The latest iteration, the A321neo, offers extended range and operational flexibility. The aircraft features advanced aerodynamics and fuel-efficient engines, resulting in a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation narrow-body jets.

Environmental sustainability remains a key focus for Airbus, which notes that the A320 family can operate using up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The company has set a target to achieve 100% SAF compatibility across its fleet by 2030, aligning with global efforts to decarbonize the aviation sector.

This transaction underscores Airbus’s strong position in the single-aisle market, particularly in comparison to competitors like Boeing’s 737 MAX.