Air China to procure 100 Airbus A320neo
According to available source from
it is learned that the state owned Air China is likely to procure 100 A320Neos.
Air China is also in the discussions for several hundreds more of the
re-engined narrow-body version of the A320.
Airbus China’s president Eric Chen
had disclosed that the commitment for the 100 Neos from Air China and ICBC Leasing (both are state owned) is
awaiting approvals from the local government. When this deal is approved it
would be the first Neo order for the Chinese carrier.
Mr. Chen also told the journalists,
that "Besides this firm commitment for 100 aircraft, we also have an
active sales campaign, and several hundreds more Neos are being
discussed," With reference to the Chinese carriers ordering aircrafts
based on their five year plans, he said they may not get early slots due to
high demand for the aircraft. "They realize that if they plan in the same
way, they can lose the opportunity for slots in years to come." Said Mr.
Chen.
About 807 A320 family aircrafts are estimated to be
in operation by Chinese customers.
