GECAS Takes 60, SAS To Get 30 Of The Re-Engined Jetliners

Airbus said Monday that it has taken orders for 90 A320neo airplanes on the opening day of the Paris Air Show. Sixty of those airplanes will be delivered to General Electric Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), while another 30 are slotted for delivery to Scandinavia's SAS Airline.

GECAS has selected CFM’s LEAP-X engine for all 60 A320neo aircraft. The deal was signed Monday by Norman C.T. Liu, President and CEO of GECAS and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Office Customers. This new order brings the total number of A320 Family aircraft ordered by GECAS to 390.

“The A320neo Family will bring fuel savings to customers while offering the same levels of in-service reliability they expect,” said Norman C.T. Liu, President and CEO of GECAS. “We have a solid track record of placing A320s with customers around the globe.”

“GECAS’ order is further demonstration of the ... success of the A320neo Family.  This new order underlines its attractiveness in particular to leasing companies, who are expanding their portfolios with the world’s most modern, fuel efficient single-aisle aircraft,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers.  “The low operating costs and proven high dispatch reliability offered by the A320 Family make it a strong asset for the GECAS portfolio.”

The A320neos ordered by SAS will join the airline’s existing fleet of eight A321s and four A319s, and enable SAS to transition to an all-Airbus fleet at its prime Copenhagen base. The engine decision will be announced by the airline at a later date.

“This aircraft order, on the newest Airbus A320, is a significant and important step in our renewal and harmonization of our aircraft fleet. Through this, we will operate with the market’s most efficient and environmental friendly short- and medium distance aircraft,” says Göran Jansson, SAS Deputy President & Chief Financial Officer.

“Airbus salutes SAS’ decision to streamline its fleet with our ... A320neo aircraft,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “As an evolution of the highly successful A320, the latest in fuel saving technologies, the A320neo is a natural choice for SAS.  It will fit seamlessly into their existing A320 family fleet.” 

SAS has been a customer of Airbus since 1980.

FMI: www.airbus.com