Air China to purchase 60 Airbus A320neo jets in $9.5 billion deal

Air China, China's national flag carrier, has committed to a major fleet expansion with an order for 60 Airbus A320neo aircraft. The airline announced the agreement on Tuesday, with the total value of the deal estimated at around $9.53 billion. The new jets are slated for delivery over a four-year window, from 2028 through 2032, according to a company filing with the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Part of a Broader Surge in Chinese Aviation Orders

This substantial order from Air China is part of a significant wave of new aircraft purchases by Chinese carriers in recent weeks. Other airlines, including Spring Airlines and Juneyao Airlines, have also placed orders with Airbus. Spring Airlines intends to buy 30 A320neo planes for about $4.13 billion, while Juneyao Airlines plans to acquire 25 A320-family jets in a $4.1 billion deal. Additionally, the China Aircraft Leasing Group (CALC) confirmed a firm order for 30 A320neo aircraft to meet robust customer demand.

Aligning with Strategic Development and Market Demand

In its regulatory filing, Air China stated the purchase is consistent with the company's long-term development strategy and aligns with projected market demand. The investment is intended to optimize the airline's fleet structure and ensure a steady, long-term replenishment of capacity. The transaction remains subject to approval at an upcoming shareholders' meeting and must also receive authorization from relevant Chinese government authorities before it is finalized.

Context of Global Aerospace Competition

The order represents a major win for European aerospace giant Airbus and underscores the vitality of China's post-pandemic aviation market, one of the world's largest and fastest-growing. Such large-scale deals are closely watched indicators of economic confidence and travel demand. The strategic procurement decisions of major state-owned enterprises like Air China also reflect broader industrial and trade dynamics, a context followed by other aerospace players, including Türkiye, which is developing its own domestic aviation and space sectors.