Chinese airlines order 95 Airbus aircraft worth $17.8 billion at list prices

Three Chinese airlines have placed orders for a combined 95 Airbus aircraft, with a total list value of approximately $17.8 billion, as they continue expanding capacity and modernising their fleets with more fuel-efficient aircraft.

Air China and subsidiary Shenzhen Airlines will acquire 55 aircraft with a combined list value of $12.4 billion, while Hainan Airlines has separately ordered 40 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft worth up to $5.4 billion.

The orders comprise:

• Air China: 15 Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft, scheduled for delivery between 2030 and 2032.
• Shenzhen Airlines: 40 A320neo-family aircraft, to be delivered between 2029 and 2032.
• Hainan Airlines: 40 A320neo-family aircraft, with deliveries planned between 2028 and 2032.

Air China noted that the actual purchase prices will be significantly lower than the published list prices, reflecting the substantial discounts typically offered by Airbus on large aircraft orders.

The latest deals continue a series of major Airbus orders from Chinese carriers. In recent months, China Eastern Airlines announced plans to acquire 25 A330neo aircraft and 101 A320neo-family jets, while China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines ordered a combined 137 Airbus aircraft.

According to Air China, the new aircraft will increase the group’s overall passenger and cargo capacity by around 7.1%, while Shenzhen Airlines expects a 4.3% increase. Part of the new fleet will replace older aircraft as they are retired.

The orders come despite financial pressures on Chinese airlines. Earlier this week, Air China warned it expects to report a first-half net loss of up to 2.6 billion yuan, citing higher fuel costs as a major factor affecting profitability.

The A320neo family competes directly with the Boeing 737 MAX in the single-aisle market, while the A350-900 is widely deployed on long-haul international routes.