International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) an aircraft lessor and wholly-owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG), exercised purchase option for 50 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft part of the agreement signed with Airbus in April 2011 covering 100 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 Airbus A320neo Family. With this latest order, ILFC increases its total firm NEO order to 150. ILFC will announce its engine selection for the aircraft at a later date. with this latest contract, marks ILFC as Airbus largest customer, having combine orders of 769 single-aisle and widebody Airbus aircraft.
Courpron, said: “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.
"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.”
Leahy, added: “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.
“With a portfolio of 150 A320neo’s at ILFC, we can take that as a strong confirmation of the NEO’s market leading position.”
The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 Family, incorporates new engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices. At the end of May 2013, firm orders for the NEO stood at 2125 from 40 customers, making it the fastest selling commercial airliner ever and underlining its market leadership position with close to 60 per cent market share.
