AirAsia leasing unit to get 30% of A321neo order

AirAsia has signed a firm order with Airbus for the purchase of 100 A321neo aircraft, bringing the total number of A320 Family ordered to 575.

KUALA LUMPUR: Asia Aviation Capital Ltd (AAC) is poised to benefit from parent company AirAsia Bhd's recent deal for 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft, with 30 per cent of the order expected to be placed under its wing. 

AAC, which is wholly-owned by AirAsia, in a statement, said it is expected to receive 30 of the 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft for its leasing operations. 

The aircraft deal between AirAsia and Airbus valued at US$12.6 billion based on list prices was entered into at the Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom last week. 

It was the first by AirAsia for the largest model of the A320 family, AAC said in a statement today. 

"We welcome the purchase of the A321neo by AirAsia. The aircraft promises incredible economics and will help grow the leasing company as we continue to build our lease portfolio to AirAsia affiliates and third-party airlines," AAC Principal Officer and Director Rozman Omar said. 

AAC currently owns or finances more than 55 Airbus A320 commercial aircraft, primarily leased to AirAsia affiliates outside Malaysia and the delivery of another 100 aircraft will bring its total fleet of A320 to 155. 

The first delivery of the A321neos is expected in 2019, adding several more every year until 2028. - Bernama