Significant Lessor Order For Airbus' Newest Aircraft

Los Angeles, CA, based aircraft leasing company Air Lease Corporation (ALC) has signed a contract for 25 A350 XWB Family aircraft, consisting of 20 A350-900 and five A350-1000, the largest member of the A350 XWB Family. ALC also has options for five additional A350-1000s.  With this new order, ALC becomes the 35th A350 XWB customer and the order takes the A350 XWB backlog past 600 (to 617).

Concurrently, ALC has signed a purchase order for 14 A321neo aircraft following an earlier agreement announced at the 2012 Farnborough International Air Show for 36 A320neo Family aircraft plus 14 options. With this latest confirmation from ALC, the lessor’s cumulative orders for the A320neo Family have reached 50, of which up to 34 will be A321neo models. ALC will announce engine selections at a later date.

“The A350 XWB Family is becoming the industry benchmark for efficiency in the long haul segment, and the A320neo Family is ideal for airlines operating short to medium haul missions. These aircraft will help airlines grow their businesses while simultaneously reducing their operating costs and emissions,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Air Lease Corporation’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “ALC offers its customers the most modern, efficient aircraft on the market, and both the A350 XWB and the NEO fit right in that category.”
 
“ALC’s continued confidence in Airbus products and especially our fuel efficient A350 XWB and A320neo Families is a great indicator of the long-term success of these aircraft,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “When you offer products which cut fuel consumption by a double digit number, and combine that with low maintenance costs and the latest in cabin innovations, it’s a pretty compelling proposal whether you are in the low cost, full service or charter segment.”
 
The A350 XWB will be a mid-size long range product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts.

(Image provided by Airbus)

FMI: www.airbus.com