Airbus Secures 75-Aircraft A320neo Order from ACG

Airbus has secured a major new order for 75 A320neo Family aircraft from aircraft lessor Aviation Capital Group (ACG), extending the aircraft manufacturer’s orderbook into the mid-2030s and reinforcing the importance of its UK manufacturing operations.

The agreement, which is scheduled for delivery between 2032 and 2035, represents the largest aircraft order in ACG’s nearly 40-year history. It also includes conversion rights between variants within the A320neo Family, giving the lessor additional flexibility to respond to changing airline requirements over the coming decade.

For the UK, the order provides a further reminder of the country’s integral role in Airbus’ single-aisle aircraft programme, with the wings for the A320neo Family manufactured at the company’s Broughton facility in North Wales.

The site is one of the UK’s most significant aerospace manufacturing operations, employing thousands of people and supporting an extensive supply chain. Its work on the A320neo Family means that demand for the aircraft continues to underpin skilled manufacturing jobs and aerospace expertise in Britain, even as deliveries of the latest order remain some years away.

ACG already operates a substantial fleet of Airbus single-aisle aircraft. As of 30th June 2026, the lessor had 118 A320neo Family aircraft in its fleet. The latest agreement takes its outstanding orders for the family to 115 aircraft.

The additional capacity will allow ACG to offer more new-generation aircraft to airline customers seeking to replace older aircraft or expand their fleets. Leasing companies play an important role in the aviation market, enabling airlines to access modern aircraft without necessarily having to purchase them directly from manufacturers.

Thomas Baker, Chief Executive Officer and President of ACG, said: “ACG’s portfolio strategy is focused on new-technology narrowbody aircraft that are most in-demand with airlines globally. Placing the largest order in our nearly 40-year history is a statement of confidence in the long-term future of air travel and in ACG’s important role as a conduit between airlines, aircraft and capital.”

Rob Downes, Chief OEM Officer of ACG, added: “The A320neo Family remains one of the most sought-after aircraft families among our airline customers, supporting both their replacement and growth requirements. This order gives ACG additional capacity to meet that demand, extends our orderbook pipeline into the mid-2030s and positions us for further growth.”

For Airbus, the deal continues a relationship with ACG that dates back to 2007, when the lessor placed its first order with the manufacturer.

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for the Commercial Aircraft business, said: “This major investment reinforces our long-term and important partnership which dates back to 2007 when ACG placed its first order with Airbus. ACG will be able to offer its customers the A320neo Family well into the next decade. We salute ACG’s selection of the A320neo Family – the world’s most modern and efficient single aisle aircraft.”

While the order is a commercial agreement between Airbus and ACG, its significance extends beyond the aircraft manufacturer and leasing sector.

Airbus’ Broughton facility is responsible for manufacturing wings for the A320 Family, including the A320neo and A321neo. The wings are then transported to Airbus final assembly facilities, where they are integrated into completed aircraft.

The A320neo programme is particularly important to the UK aerospace industry because of the scale of production and the role of Broughton within Airbus’ international manufacturing network. Continued demand for the aircraft supports not only activity at the factory but also businesses throughout the wider British aerospace supply chain.

With deliveries of ACG’s newly ordered aircraft due to begin in 2032, the agreement reflects demand extending well into the next decade. Although the order does not mean that all 75 aircraft will be built or delivered from a single location, their place within the A320neo Family programme reinforces the long-term importance of Airbus’ UK wing-manufacturing operation.

The A320neo Family is powered by new-generation engines supplied by CFM International and Pratt & Whitney. Airbus says the aircraft offer up to 20% lower fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions per seat compared with previous-generation aircraft, alongside a 50% reduction in noise.

The family includes the A320neo and the larger A321neo, giving airlines and lessors options for different passenger capacities and route requirements.

The A320neo can accommodate up to 194 passengers and has a maximum range of approximately 3,400 nautical miles, while the A321neo can carry up to 244 passengers and has a maximum range of up to 4,000 nautical miles. Actual capacity and range depend on aircraft configuration and operating conditions.

The flexibility to convert orders between variants will allow ACG to adjust its future deliveries as airline demand evolves, potentially shifting capacity towards the aircraft best suited to individual customers and markets.

For Airbus, the latest agreement adds further depth to an already substantial single-aisle orderbook. For the UK, it offers another indication that demand for the A320neo Family will continue to support the manufacturing of aircraft wings at Broughton well into the future.