Global aircraft lessor Aviation Capital Group (ACG), wholly owned by Tokyo Century Corporation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 20 A220s and a firm contract for 40 A320neo family aircraft, of which five are A321XLRs. “We are delighted to expand our portfolio with additional A220 and A320neo family aircraft. These highly advanced aircraft will enhance ACG’s strategic objective to offer our airline customers the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft available,” said Thomas Baker, CEO and president of ACG.
“The order is another gratifying endorsement of our single aisle products by one of the world’s premier aircraft asset managers, ACG and the Tokyo Century Group. It also forcefully confirms the A220 as a growingly desirable aircraft and investment in the commercial aviation landscape. We congratulate and thank ACG for its decision to select both the A220 and A320neo Families,” said Christian Scherer, chief commercial officer and head of Airbus International.
The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market and brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines. The plane features a 50 percent reduced noise footprint and up to 25 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, as well as around 50 percent lower NOx emissions than industry standards.
The A320neo family displays a 99.7 percent operational reliability rate. The A320neo family incorporates the latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices. The A320neo family provides operators with at least a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The A321XLR version provides a further range extension to 4,700nm. This gives the A321XLR a flight time of up to 11 hours. With this order ACG is supporting the recently launched multi-million dollar ESG fund initiative by Airbus that will contribute towards investment into sustainable aviation development projects.