AerCap seals 100 Airbus A320neo jet order in first direct Airbus deal in seven years
March 18, 2026
AerCap has placed its largest-ever direct Airbus order, committing to 100 A320neo family aircraft in a major vote of confidence in the narrowbody market.
The deal includes 45 previously held options and 55 new aircraft, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2034.
It also marks AerCap’s first direct order with Airbus since 2017, ending years of speculation about a potential return to the European manufacturer.
Aercap’s largest Airbus A320neo order marks return to direct deals since 2017
The deal represents AerCap’s largest-ever direct order for the A320neo family with Airbus, marking its first such agreement with the manufacturer since December 2017.
Airbus said the order reflects continued demand for the A320neo, highlighting its fuel efficiency and strong market position as airlines transition to newer, lower-emission fleets.
Dublin-based AerCap has also secured long-term lease agreements with CFM International for 48 LEAP-1A engines through its Shannon Engine Support joint venture with Safran Aircraft Engines.
Engine deliveries are set to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with Shannon Engine Support acting as a key provider of LEAP spare engines.
LEAP engine deal tied to Frontier Airlines fleet restructuring
The engine deal is linked to the restructuring of Frontier’s fleet.
Last month, the struggling US low-cost carrier announced the early return of 24 A320neo aircraft to Aercap.
The aircraft had lease agreements scheduled to expire within the next two to eight years, but will be returned during the second quarter of 2026.
AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly said the transaction would “drive long-term growth” for the lessor while enabling Frontier Airlines to optimise its fleet, following close collaboration with Airbus and CFM.
He added that the agreement also supports both manufacturers in meeting production and in-service commitments.
The AerCap–Frontier deal will also include 10 future sale-leaseback transactions, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2029.
Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle said the agreement marks a “significant milestone” in the carrier’s strategy to improve productivity through a disciplined resizing of its fleet.
Featured image: AerCap
