Aircraft lessor SMBC Aviation Capital has placed an additional order for 60 A320neo-family aircraft, bringing its total acquisitions of this type to nearly 340 units directly sourced from Airbus.
In conjunction with SMBC’s existing commitments for the A320neo family, this fresh order secures a continuous delivery stream for the company well into the next decade. This move further solidifies the long-standing strategic partnership between Airbus and SMBC Aviation Capital within the A320neo-family programme. Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital, remarked, “This transaction underscores the sustained global demand for advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft, particularly in light of the ongoing robust recovery in global air travel. With sustainability and operational efficiency at the forefront of our customers’ priorities, we anticipate growing demand for aircraft like the A320neo and A321neo in the coming years. We eagerly anticipate strengthening our valued partnership with Airbus as we assist our customers in addressing these priorities.”
The A320neo family, known for its exceptional cost efficiency per seat mile, empowers airlines to expand their route networks with wide-body cabin configurations on extended long-haul routes that were previously inaccessible with single-aisle jetliners. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as next-generation engines, Sharklets and cabin efficiency enhancements, the A320neo family is set to achieve a 20% reduction in fuel consumption by 2030. With over 6,500 orders received from more than 100 customers since its introduction in 2010, the A320neo family has captured a commanding 60% share of the market.
