Avolon Converts MOU for 15 A330neos into a Firm Order

Dublin-based leasing company Avolon has converted into a firm order the memorandum of understanding it signed in July for 15 Airbus A330neo aircraft.

Upon signing its initial commitment in July at the Farnborough International Airshow 2014, Avolon became one of the launch customers of the Airbus A330neo family.

On December 23, 2014, leasing company Avolon firmed a July 2014 memorandum of understanding for 15 Airbus A330neos into a firm order

“The A330neo with its highly competitive economics, in addition to the already flawless credentials of today’s A330, is going to be a real hit with operators around the world in the medium range segment,” predicts John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer, customers.

At present the Airbus A330neo family consists of two members, the A330-800neo and the A330-900neo. First deliveries of A330neo jets are scheduled to take place in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Each A330neo will incorporate new Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features and will offer fuel consumption 14 per cent per seat lower than current-generation A330s, according to Airbus.

Airbus A330neos will also offer a range increase of up to 400 nautical miles over today’s comparable-model A330s and all the operational-commonality advantages of the Airbus common-cockpit aircraft family, according to the manufacturer.

Firm orders for the Airbus A330neo family now stand at 116 aircraft, from five customers. In chronological order of order signings, these are Delta Air Lines (25 aircraft), CIT Group (15 aircraft), AirAsia X (55 aircraft), Hawaiian Airlines (six aircraft) and Avolon (15 aircraft).

In addition, lessor Air Lease Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in July for 25 A330neos and Russian carrier Transaero Airlines signed an MOU for 12.

It is likely that Airbus is working hard with these customers to convert contractual commitments into firm orders before the end of 2014.