Industry BOC Aviation purchases eight A330 Neo

BOC Aviation has announced that is has purchased eight new Airbus A330 Neo family aircraft from Airbus. All eight aircraft are scheduled for delivery to Lion Air Group in 2019 and 2020. Lion Air has the option to acquire four of the aircraft at delivery.

“We are delighted to partner with Lion Air Group once again as we commit to deliver the latest technology Airbus twin-aisle aircraft, commencing next year,” said Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOC Aviation. “This transaction takes the number of Airbus A330 Neo family aircraft in our orderbook to 10, with all of these scheduled for delivery between now and the end of 2020 to airline customers.” 

The Airbus A330 Neo is a new version of Airbus’ wide-body twin engine aircraft. Due to new engines, sharklets and aero optimization the new aircraft generation should offer a 14% better fuel economy per seat. The A330 Neo is available in two variants: The -800 as successor of the former A330-200 and the -900 as successor of the former Airbus A330-300.

Lion Air Group comprises five airlines in three countries Lion Air, Wings Air and Batik Air in Indonesia, Malindo Air in Malaysia and Thai Lion Air in Thailand. As of 31 December 2017, total fleet numbered 299 aircraft operating to more than 216 domestic and international destinations and more than 1,500 flights per day. Lion Air currently operates long-haul flights with three Airbus A330-300 and one Boeing 747-400. The Airbus long-haul aircraft have a one-class layout offering seats for 440 passengers. BOC has not stated if the new Neo’s will have a similar seat configuration.

With 487 aircraft owned, BOC Aviation is one of the largest global aircraft operating leasing companies.  Its owned and managed fleet was leased to 88 airlines worldwide in 35 countries in 2018.