Repeat order from leading lessor confirms market preference for NEO

Industry leading aircraft lessor, ILFC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc., has signed a firm contract for the purchase of 50 additional A320neo Family aircraft. The contract was announced today at the Paris Air Show by ILFC Chief Executive Officer, Henri Courpron and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

ILFC was the first lessor to commit to the A320neo Family with a firm order placed in 2011 for 100 aircraft.  With this latest order, ILFC increases its total firm NEO order tally to 150. ILFC will make its engine selection for the aircraft at a later date. Including this latest contract, ILFC remains Airbus’ largest customer, having ordered a combined total of 769 single-aisle and widebody Airbus aircraft.

“The A320neo is firmly established as a long-term cornerstone of ILFC’s portfolio of modern, fuel efficient aircraft. The NEO allows ILFC to offer its customers a single-aisle aircraft family that delivers a significant reduction in fuel consumption and the widest, most comfortable cabin in its class,” ILFC Chief Executive Officer Henri Courpron said. “We have already seen significant market interest in the NEO and that is why we have come back for more. We must be ready to deliver the product that airlines want and that will enable them to take advantage of the significant growth air transport will see over the coming years.”

“We are delighted to see our valued and long-standing customer ILFC coming back for more A320neo aircraft. This is clear signal of the continuing strong demand for Airbus’ most modern, fuel efficient aircraft which day in, day out, deliver profitability to their owners and a great travel experience to the passengers,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “With a portfolio of 150 A320neo’s at ILFC, we can take that as a strong confirmation of the NEO’s market leading position.”

Airbus press release