China Aircraft Leasing Company (CALC), the leading independent aircraft operating lessor in China, firmed up its contract in December 2014 with Airbus for 100 A320 Family aircraft. The order comprises 74 A320neo, 16 A320ceo and 10 A321ceo. Including this new order, CALC’s total backlog with Airbus stands at 140 A320 Family aircraft.

“Adding these A320 Family aircraft, including the latest generation A320neo to our portfolio, means we can fully meet all our customers’ requirements in terms of low fuel burn, high reliability and unbeatable comfort,” said Dr Mike Poon, CEO and Executive Director of CALC. “The A320 Family is without a doubt firmly established as a key asset in our fleet and the cornerstone of our single-aisle offering.”

“We are delighted to see CALC, a leading lessor based in the world’s leading growth market, come back for more of our popular A320 Family aircraft and we welcome them as a new customer for the A320neo,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “This landmark order with CALC demonstrates the continuing strong market demand, in the short, medium and longer term for the current and new generation Airbus single-aisle Family.”

The A320neo “new engine option” incorporates many innovations, including latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which together deliver 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 per cent by 2020 which is equivalent to a reduction of 5,000 tonnes of CO2 per aircraft per year.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with more than 11,000 orders to date and over 6,300 aircraft delivered. Thanks to its widest cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer the industry’s best level of comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard.