Mondo 100-Strong Order for A321neos Puts Airbus in the Lead With Avolon

Boeing was quite pleased with an order for 40 new 737 MAX aircraft coming off the weekend from Irish lessor Avolon, but those smiles might not have lasted once they heard of the firm's Airbus order for 100 A321neos.

The orders are on track for delivery through 2032, bolstering the Avolon fleet to one day more than 1,000 aircraft. This year alone, the company had added 200 new aircraft to the orderbook via OEM purchase alone. The last round saw Boeing come out the victor last June, when Avolon ordered 40 737 MAXs, who later ordered 20 Airbus A3330neos in September. The tandem order this month puts Avolon buys at a pretty impressive 140 aircraft in all, taking their committed fleet from 897 to 1,037.

“Today’s orders strengthen our delivery pipeline and reflect our confidence in the long-term outlook for aviation. We have committed to direct orders for 200 new, fuel-efficient aircraft this year, supporting the transformation of our fleet to lower emissions aircraft. The scale of our orderbook reflects the strength of Avolon’s balance sheet, our proven ability to execute swiftly, and the longstanding relationships we have with both Airbus and Boeing.”

The fine print on the news: Avolon holds both orders as "binding contracts subject only to approval by shareholders of Bohai Leasing Company, Limited". The 70% shareholder is expected to vote before year's end.

FMI: www.avolon.aero