Lessor, BOC, places order for 70 Airbus jets, boosting its order book to 200 aircraft

BOC Aviation, one of the world’s leading aircraft lessors, has placed a firm order with Airbus for an additional 70 A320neo  family aircraft.

With this order, BOC Aviation’s backlog of aircraft to be delivered becomes the largest in its history with Airbus.

Steven Townend, BOC CEO and managing director, said: “This transaction will lift our remaining Airbus order book to around 200 aircraft and takes our total Airbus aircraft deliveries to over 700 (including purchase and leasebacks) since our first order in 1996.

“This order solidifies our position as one of the top five global aircraft operating lessors and provides us with a strong delivery pipeline into the next decade.”

He added: “We look forward to providing more airline customers with this popular fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft.”

Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP sales of the commercial aircraft business, said, “This new major order by BOC Aviation, is a testament to its enduring confidence in the A320 family – the world’s most successful single-aisle aircraft.

“This significant investment makes BOC Aviation one of the largest Airbus customers and highlights the strong and continued market demand for our fuel-efficient aircraft and their long term value.”

He added: “The A320 family delivers exceptional benefits to operators, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with BOC Aviation, providing airlines with cutting-edge fleet solutions.”

Wings for Airbus commercial aircraft are manufactured at the group’s factory in Broughton, near Chester, which employs around 4,500 staff. The group also employs more than 2,700 staff in Filton, near Bristol.