Airbus and Avolon, an Ireland-based aircraft lessor, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft.
The lessor chose the bigger A330neo variant, the A330-900neo, with the order pending a final agreement. With the latest MoU, Avolon’s fleet of Airbus aircraft, including committed aircraft, is 616 aircraft: 208 A320ceo, 285 A320neo, 51 A330ceo, 55 A330neo, and 17 A350s.
“We have been a strong supporter of the A330neo programme since its launch and with our existing widebody orderbook fully placed we are now locking in future growth in a supply constrained environment,” said Andy Cronin, the Chief Executive Officer of Avolon.
While relatively small in size, the order still represents more than 7% of the current backlog of the A330-900neo, which as of May 31, 2023, stands at 277 aircraft. The number excludes two aircraft delivered to Air Belgium via Airbus Financial Services.
Meanwhile, Oman-based SalamAir signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Avolon for three Airbus A330neo aircraft on June 19, 2023.
Both the MoU and LoI were signed during the Paris Air Show 2023.
“Our expanded delivery pipeline allows us to offer our customers the A330neo’s range and reduced emissions to support their evolving fleet needs. Our recent aircraft orders and commitments reflect our confidence in the long-term growth trajectory of the aviation sector,” added Cronin.
According to ch-aviation.com data, Avolon’s currently managed portfolio of A330-900neo aircraft includes 25 twin-aisle jets, with TAP Air Portugal leasing six aircraft of the type from the lessor. Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras currently operates five A330-900neos which belong to the Irish company.
On June 20, 2023, Avolon also ordered 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, citing confidence “in the long-term demand from our customers for the 737 MAX”.