Industry GECAS orders 12 Airbus A330neo and 20 A321XLR aircraft
Airbus and GECAS have signed a deal for 32 Airbus aircraft on Dubai Air Show 2019. The company will purchase both the A330neo and the A321XLR.
The purchase agreement sees the leasing company to take delivery of 12 Airbus A330neo and 20 A321XLR aircraft. All 32 aircraft are slated for delivery prior to the end of 2026. GECAS hopes to find new customers as more than 150 medium-haul operators are facing a significant replacement need in the coming 20 years.
The deal was signed on the Dubai Air Show 2019 and is yet another commitment for the A321XLR. The XLR was announced on Paris Air Show this year and has since then earned a lot of orders. Compared to its brothers A321neo and A321LR, the A321XLR offers the longest range with up to 4,700 nautical miles.
“We’re delighted to be among the select lessors for the LEAP-powered A321XLR, which offers significant fuel efficiency and greater range,” explains Greg Conlon, GECAS’ President and CEO, “in addition to the commonality benefits, the XLR provides our opportunistic airline customers the ability to open long, thin routes to secondary cities.”
Conlon adds, “The optimized configuration of the A330-900 combined with the 7,200 nautical mile range makes it a compelling type in the medium-haul market. As older aircraft are ready to retire, this order allows us to meet our customers’ needs for capacity and range while providing extensive commonality with its predecessor aircraft.”
At the Dubai Airshow, Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer said, “Having one of the world’s most respected and influential lessors invest in the A321XLR and A330neo speaks volumes on the aircrafts’ global appeal, versatility and their solid asset values.”
GECAS will purchase the A330-900 variant, which is being powered by Rolls-Royce´s latest-generation Trent 7000 engine. The aircraft also offers new aerodynamical advantages with A350 XWB-inspired Sharklets and a new wing with increased span. The A330neo family consists of the A330-800 and the A330-900.
On Dubai Air Show 2019, Airbus was able to ink several new aircraft orders. Emirates decided to purchase 50 A350 XWB aircraft and Air Arabia signed an order for 120 A320neo Family aircraft. The Airshow was held at Dubai World Central Airport in the United Arab Emirates.
Source © airbus.com