Avolon Orders 250 New Aircraft from Airbus and Boeing in Major Fleet Expansion

Global aircraft lessor Avolon has announced firm orders for 250 new-generation aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, significantly expanding its future delivery pipeline as airlines continue to renew and grow their fleets.

The Dublin-headquartered aviation finance company has placed orders for 140 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 110 Airbus aircraft, comprising 75 A320neo family aircraft and 35 A330neo family aircraft. The Airbus agreement also includes options for a further 100 aircraft, giving Avolon additional flexibility to respond to future demand from airline customers.

The agreements will increase Avolon’s total firm aircraft commitments to 749 aircraft, subject to shareholder approval. The orders require approval from Bohai Leasing Co., Ltd., which holds a 70% stake in Avolon, with that approval expected before the end of October 2026.

The announcement represents a substantial investment in both the narrowbody and widebody markets, with the aircraft expected to support airlines seeking more fuel-efficient fleets as they replace older aircraft and expand their operations.

The Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo families are among the principal aircraft types serving the short- and medium-haul markets, while the A330neo provides capacity for longer-distance international routes. Together, the orders give Avolon a broader pipeline of aircraft to offer airlines across a range of operating requirements.

Andy Cronin, Avolon chief executive, said the company continued to see strong demand for new-technology aircraft, reflected in its placement and trading activity during the third quarter of 2026.

“Against that backdrop, we are pleased to have reached agreements with Airbus and Boeing that strengthen and extend our long-term delivery pipeline,” Cronin said.

“These orders further enhance our ability to support the future fleet requirements of our airline customers as they renew and expand their fleets into the most fuel-efficient technology available.”

Alongside the new orders, Avolon reported continued portfolio activity during the third quarter, including aircraft acquisitions, disposals and new lease placements.

The company acquired 10 aircraft and sold 29 during the period, with a further 112 aircraft agreed for sale by the end of the quarter. It also placed 28 new-technology aircraft from its existing commitments, ending the period with 89% of its committed fleet placed for delivery over the following 24 months.

Avolon executed 84 lease agreements, extensions and amendments during the quarter, reflecting the ongoing management of its relationships with airline customers and its wider aircraft portfolio.

At the end of the period, the company’s owned, managed and committed fleet stood at 1,092 aircraft. Including the newly announced orders on a pro forma basis, that figure rises to 1,342 aircraft.

The distinction reflects the scale of Avolon’s wider platform, which includes aircraft already in service, assets managed on behalf of other owners and aircraft committed for future delivery.

Avolon also announced two financing developments during the quarter as it continued to manage its funding requirements.

The company established a US$1.5 billion commercial paper programme and closed an US$855 million unsecured term loan with a syndicate of primarily Asian banks.

These financing arrangements add to the company’s funding resources as it manages its existing fleet and prepares for the arrival of additional aircraft over the coming years.

The latest orders reinforce Avolon’s position in the global aircraft leasing market, where lessors play an important role in helping airlines access new aircraft without having to purchase every aircraft directly from manufacturers.

With firm commitments now standing at 749 aircraft and options for another 100 Airbus aircraft, Avolon has expanded its ability to serve future fleet requirements across both short-haul and long-haul operations. The next step will be shareholder approval of the agreements, expected before the end of October 2026.