BOC Aviation announced that it has entered into an agreement with Airbus to purchase nine new Airbus aircraft, comprising six A320neo and three A321neo aircraft, and has committed those aircraft on long-term leases to new customer Gulf Air. All aircraft will be powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines and are scheduled for delivery from 2025.
“As a global aircraft operating leasing company, we are proud to add Gulf Air as our customer,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BOC Aviation. “This transaction provides Gulf Air with nine technologically advanced aircraft that will deliver over a period of three years to support its fleet growth and demonstrates our ability to meet our customers’ financing needs.”
“We are pleased to be able to enhance our fleet with these new aircraft, which will enable us to provide an even better travel experience for our passengers,” said Dr. Jeffrey Goh, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air. “This partnership with BOC Aviation underscores our commitment to modernising our operations and expanding our network.”
Avolon delivers first A320neo to Royal Jordanian
Avolon has completed the delivery of the first Airbus A320neo in Royal Jordanian’s fleet. The delivery was celebrated today at a ceremony at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse and is the first of eight A320neos to be delivered by Avolon over the next 12 months.
Royal Jordanian’s first A320neo is configured with a 180 seat all economy layout, designed for customer comfort and efficient operations across its regional network. Future deliveries will feature a variety of cabin configurations, from all economy to premium layouts including lie flat beds on A321neo. The new aircraft will support Royal Jordanian’s fleet expansion strategy in key markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, and its transition to new technology aircraft. The A320neo delivers 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared to previous-generation Airbus narrowbody aircraft, and 50% noise reduction.
Royal Jordanian currently operates a fleet of 24 aircraft flying to 50 destinations and is planning to grow its fleet to 41 aircraft by 2028. Avolon and Royal Jordanian are long-standing partners and these A320neo family deliveries add to the two Boeing 787-8s Avolon already has on lease to the airline. At 31 March 2025 Avolon had 140 A320neo family aircraft in its fleet, with a further 294 on order.
Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Avolon, commented: “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Royal Jordanian with this first A320neo delivery. We are proud to play a central role in the airline’s fleet expansion plans, leveraging our large orderbook to support Royal Jordanian’s future growth. As passenger traffic in the region continues to grow, we look forward to future opportunities to work together.”
Samer Majali, Vice Chairman and CEO of Royal Jordanian, commented: “The delivery of our first A320neo marks a significant milestone in our fleet modernization strategy. This aircraft, with its advanced technology and enhanced fuel efficiency, will enable us to offer improved services to our passengers while reducing our environmental footprint. Configured with all economy seats, this aircraft will serve a number of popular tourist routes, supporting our goal to promote Jordan as a destination of choice. It also reinforces our role as the preferred carrier connecting the Levant with key cities across the Middle East, and Europe, as we continue to position Amman as the region’s leading transit hub.”
Meanwhile, Avolon reported that S&P Global Ratings (‘S&P’) has upgraded the outlook for its issuer and senior unsecured rating of BBB- from stable to positive outlook. Earlier this month Fitch Ratings upgraded Avolon’s rating from BBB- to BBB, and Moody’s Ratings upgraded Avolon from Baa3 to Baa2.
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