Air China and its subsidiary Shenzhen Airlines have ordered a total of 55 Airbus aircraft, including 15 A350-900s for the flag carrier and 40 A320neo-family jets for Shenzhen Airlines.
Based on Airbus list prices, the combined order is valued at about $12.4 billion, although Air China said both airlines secured substantial discounts, a common practice for large commercial aircraft purchases.
The A350s are scheduled for delivery between 2030 and 2032. Air China already operates 28 aircraft of the type, and the additional jets will further expand one of the largest A350 fleets in Asia.
Shenzhen Airlines will receive its A320neo-family aircraft between 2029 and 2032. The carrier already operates 115 aircraft from the A320 family and also has two A350-900s in its fleet.
Air China said the acquisition will be financed through a combination of internal funds, bank loans and other financing arrangements.
The latest agreement adds to Airbus’ strong momentum in China, where the European manufacturer has continued to win major orders while Boeing remains constrained by a slower pace of new sales in the country following years of trade tensions, certification issues and the prolonged suspension of 737 MAX deliveries.
