SMBC orders 100 Airbus A320neo family aircraft at Farnborough

Adding to its massive order for 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft this morning, SMBC has come in with a late Airbus order for another 100 aircraft. It signed for 65 A321neo and 35 A320neo at Farnborough Airshow today,

“This significant new order will give our airline customers access to a continuous delivery pipeline of the latest technology A320neo family aircraft into the mid-2030s,” said Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital.

“We are pleased to build on the deep partnership we have established with Airbus over the last 25 years, and this latest order reflects our confidence in the long-term demand for the A320neo family. Today’s announcement reflects SMBC Aviation Capital’s long-term commitment to supporting our airline customers, positioning us as the leading global aviation finance platform, ready to meet their ever-evolving needs.”

SMBC is already one of the largest customers for the Airbus A320neo family. Before today, the lessor owned 82 A321neos and 167 A320neos, but has a huge amount on order. Its commitment to the A320neo adds another 85 aircraft to that number, and 169 A321neos.

With today’s order added on top, the company will ultimately own a fleet of more than 800 Airbus aircraft.

Airbus says that, together with its parent company Sumitomo Corporation, SMBC accounts for over 900 total commitments directly from Airbus for all Airbus aircraft types.

SMBC order gives Airbus a boost on Day 1 of Farnborough Airshow

While SMBC might not know who will lease these aircraft just yet, the important thing is getting its place in the production queue so it can ensure a steady supply of new technology aircraft to the industry.

With over 12 years of production queue in Boeing and Airbus’ orderbooks, that’s not a bad strategy.

“SMBC Aviation Capital’s investment reflects the global market appetite for the A320neo Family for the years to come as customers select the latest generation and most efficient aircraft to grow and renew fleets,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

Aside from this substantial order, Farnborough Airshow has been remarkably quiet for Airbus. Riyadh Air firmed a half dozen A350-1000s from its options pile, and the helicopter arm of the business has secured a handful of orders. But its backbone narrowbody has received relatively little attention so far.

Nevertheless, it is only day one, and it wouldn’t be the first time Airbus has pulled something out of the bag on the second or third day of an airshow.