Airbus said aircraft leasing giant AerCap Holdings N.V. has signed a firm order for 100 additional aircraft from the A320neo Family, comprising 23 A320neo and 77 A321neo jets, according to a press release issued by the European planemaker on Wednesday.

The agreement marks one of the largest direct orders placed by AerCap with Airbus and highlights the leasing company’s strategy to invest in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to meet demand from airline customers worldwide.

AerCap Chief Executive Officer Aengus Kelly said the order reflects the company’s confidence in the long-term demand for efficient narrow-body aircraft and will help airlines address both growth and fleet replacement requirements.

“As the world’s largest owner of commercial aircraft, our strategy is clear: we invest in the assets that provide our airline customers with the best economics and the lowest emissions,” Kelly said in the statement, adding that the deal supports ongoing fleet modernization in the coming decade.

Airbus commercial aircraft sales chief Benoît de Saint-Exupéry described the purchase as a strong endorsement of the A320neo Family’s market performance and value. He said Airbus would continue supporting AerCap’s plans to accelerate the shift toward newer, more efficient aircraft.

The A320 Family is the world’s most widely ordered single-aisle aircraft line, with more than 19,000 orders recorded globally, according to Airbus. Its largest variant, the A321neo, offers extended range and performance aimed at busy short- and medium-haul routes.

Airbus said the aircraft delivers at least 20 percent lower fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared with earlier-generation single-aisle jets, while featuring one of the widest cabins in the segment to enhance passenger comfort.

The manufacturer added that all A320 Family aircraft can currently operate with up to 50 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), part of a broader industry push to reduce aviation emissions and improve operational efficiency for airlines.

Airbus aims to make its aircraft capable of operating with up to 100 percent SAF by 2030, a move industry analysts say could support airlines’ long-term sustainability goals while maintaining capacity growth in global air travel. The latest order signals continued strong demand for fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft as airlines modernize fleets and expand operations.

Source: Airbus Press Release