Airbus gains further ground in China as CALC orders 30 A320neo aircraft
December 30, 2025
China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings (CALC) is concluding the year with a firm order for 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft.
With the new aircraft scheduled for delivery through 2033, this latest agreement marks CALC‘s fifth Airbus order. It brings the lessor’s total commitments for Airbus aircraft to 282, 203 of which are A320neo family jets.
Boost for Airbus in China’s narrowbody market
With a portfolio of global airline customers including Air China, China Eastern Airlines and Air Macau, CALC’s order also gives a further boost for Airbus within China’s commercial aviation sector.
CALC’s commitment to the French OEM follows disclosed narrowbody purchases by Spring Airlines and Juneyao Airlines, which together would add 55 aircraft to their future fleets.
Mike Poon, CALC’s CEO, said the company’s “enduring partnership with Airbus has been central to CALC’s growth.” This latest transaction will see CALC’s remaining Airbus orderbook rise to 105 aircraft, bringing its total Airbus orders to 282 and making it one of the OEM’s largest lessor clients.
Poon added: “We are proud to grow alongside Airbus and to continue providing our airline customers worldwide with high-value, modern aircraft solutions.”
Airbus A320neo underpins CALC’s fleet modernisation
Offering at least 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation narrowbody aircraft, the A320 is Airbus’s most popular single-aisle aircraft. The OEMs’ A320 family has clocked up more than 19,000 orders globally.
“Today’s order is another milestone in CALC’s journey to build a next-generation, future-ready fleet and solidify our position as one of the leading global aircraft lessors,” added Poon.
CALC, which placed its first order for 36 A320ceos in 2012, is described by Airbus EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry as a “valued and long-standing partner.”
In 2014, the aircraft lessor added a bulk order of 100 A320ceo and A320neo family aircraft, marking one of Airbus’ largest orders that year. In 2017, CALC further strengthened its portfolio with an order for 65 A320neos, with an order for 40 A321neo aircraft following in 2020. The past decade has seen the two organisations work closely to deliver around 200 aircraft to CALC’s airline customers worldwide.
“CALC’s deep understanding of the market and what its customers demand is a solid endorsement of the A320neo family. This commitment reinforces their strength as a lessor with the most efficient, versatile and in-demand single-aisle aircraft for their customers.”
Airbus strengthens China position despite market headwinds
Although China remains one of the world’s largest aviation markets, its airline sector continues to face near-term headwinds, including geopolitical uncertainty and a slow post-pandemic recovery compared to other regions.
Against this backdrop, CALC’s latest order for 30 A320 family aircraft reinforces Airbus’ growing relevance within China’s commercial aviation sector. Combined with fleet expansion plans from the two Shanghai-based carriers Spring Airlines and Juneayo, the order highlights Airbus’ deepening market penetration.
What’s more, just last month, Air China Cargo became the first mainland Chinese operator to commit to the A350 freighter, further strengthening the French OEM’s position across both passenger and cargo segments.
Collectively, these commitments indicate that despite ongoing uncertainties, Chinese operators are poised for long-term growth. With limited meaningful competition, Airbus appears well placed to remain the backbone of China’s short-to-medium haul aircraft acquisitions well into the next decade.
Featured image: Airbus
