One of the largest aircraft leasing companies in the world, BOC Aviation, has placed fresh aircraft orders with two of the biggest manufacturers – Airbus and Boeing. With the former, the lessor has struck a deal for an additional 70 A320neo Family jets, whereas with the latter, it has inked an agreement to purchase 50 737-8s. Both orders are firm in nature, and BOC Aviation has reserved the right to convert to other variants from either aircraft family.
Where Airbus will complete the deliveries of the latest order by 2032, Boeing has agreed to deliver all narrowbodies by 2031. The new deals mean BOC Aviation’s present order book of around 200 with Airbus is at its highest ever, and that with Boeing jumps to 139 (unfilled). The Singapore-headquartered lessor presently has 69 Boeing 737 MAX aeroplanes operating with over 15 airlines worldwide.
Depending on the configuration, the Boeing 737-8 can seat between 162 and 210 passengers and fly nonstop for up to 3,500 nautical miles. The Airbus A320neo family, on the other hand, is the most popular narrowbody aircraft with over 19,000 orders from around the world. The Family delivers at least a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to the previous generation single-aisle aircraft. Moreover, it can operate with up to 50 per cent SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel).
