ICBC Leasing has signed an order for 50 Airbus A320 aircraft, including its new re-engined Neo variant.

The fifty aircraft ordered by the state-owned lessor comprise 30 standard A320s and 20 A320neos, said Airbus.

The deal, inked in Beijing, is worth $3.5 billion at list prices. A delivery schedule has yet to be confirmed.

"We decided to order more Airbus A320 family aircraft, not only A320ceo but also A320neo, to enhance our portfolio in anticipation of increasing demand of the aviation markets in China, Asia Pacific region and the world as well. The order indicates that leasing companies are playing a more important role in the aviation sector," says the leasing firm's chairman Li Xiaopeng.

The deal's signing coincides with a state visit to China by German chancellor Angela Merkel.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news