Air China, Shenzhen Airlines and Hainan Airlines have agreed to purchase 95 Airbus aircraft, comprising 15 A350-900s and 80 A320neo-family jets.
The Chinese flag carrier will take 15 A350s, while its subsidiary Shenzhen has committed to 40 A320neo-family aircraft.
Disclosed in a Shanghai Stock Exchange filing, the two agreements carry a combined value of approximately $12bn based on list prices. The document noted that following negotiations, Airbus will provide both carriers with a “substantial discount” from the catalogue price.
The flag carrier expects to receive the A350-900s between 2030 and 2032. Shenzhen is anticipating delivery of its A320s between 2029 and 2032.
In a separate Shanghai Stock Exchange filing, Hainan Airlines confirmed that it had signed an agreement with Airbus for a further 40 A320neo-family aircraft.
The Hainan transaction has a maximum disclosed value of $5.36bn, although the precise value has not been determined and it could be lower after negotiations with the airframer conclude.
Hainan’s aircraft are scheduled to be delivered between 2028 and 2032.
Air China said the acquisitions would help optimise its fleet and route network, improve operational efficiency and service quality, support future capacity requirements and reduce unit operating costs. It added that the newer-generation aircraft would also contribute to the group’s carbon-reduction objectives.
Air China already operates a 28-strong A350-900 fleet, the first of which was delivered in August 2018. Meanwhile, Shenzhen Airlines flies 35 A320neos and eight A321neos – whilst also operating 72 A320ceos.
Hainan currently operates 17 A320neos and three A321neos.
A spokesperson for Airbus said the company was “pleased to receive the firm order from Air China, Shenzhen and also Hainan Airlines”.
The agreements remain subject to approval from Air China and Hainan shareholders, and the relevant Chinese government authorities.
