ILFC’s big bang order for Airbus A320neo, A321neo, and Boeing 737, a big boost for PW1100G GTF

March 9, 2011 1 Comment 266 Views

For the last few years, thanks to the well known financial problems at its parent AIG, the world’s largest aircraft lessor by value, International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), was on the quiet.

Yesterday, ILFC announced its comeback with two big orders. One with Airbus S.A.S. for 75 A320neo and the first orders for the A321neo for 25 aircraft. From the 100 aircraft, 60 are firm commitments and 40 are on option. ILFC also signed a firm agreement with Boeing to purchase 33 737-800s worth about $2.6 billion at list prices, though discounts can range up to 50%.

In the NEO orders, ILFC also announced an eye-popping boost for the Pratt and Whitney Geared Turbo Fan (GTF) program, when it announced a confirmed agreement for 120 firm PurePower PW1100G engines to power the 60 confirmed NEO’s and an option for up to 80 more engines for the 40 optioned A320neo family aircraft.

Computer visualisation IndiGo Airbus A320neo Pratt and Whitney Geared Turbo Fan engineThis is the first order for the NEO with a confirmed engine choice. Earlier orders from IndiGo, Virgin America, and TAM, were announced without an engine choice.

In addition to the PW1100G, customers have the choice of CFM’s LeapP-X engine to power the A320neo family.

Also as expected and long overdue, ILFC announced it was cancelling its order for ten A380 superjumbos in an effort to rebalance it order books. Henri Courpron, ILFC Chief Executive Officer said

“With 104 wide bodies on order and fewer than a dozen single aisles it makes perfect sense to rebalance our order book and position ILFC strategically on the fuel-efficient neo,”

A321neo can replace the Boeing 757
The A321neo is expected to be an ideal replacement for the venerable but ageing, Boeing 757-200 used by many US carriers for trans-continental and trans-Atlantic flights.

Boeing does have the 737-900ER which has a similar seating capacity, but this aircraft has not appealed to airlines. Only about 75 737-900ERs operate compared to 613 A321-200s.

AirInsight has produced a great study on this option. The accompanying PDF report can be downloaded here.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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One comment

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