Akhir 03, 1432 H/March 8, 2011, SPA -- The world's largest aircraft leasing company, US- based ILFC, locked in large orders on Tuesday from competing manufacturers Airbus and Boeing, according to dpa. Airbus got the largest order with a reservation for 100 medium- range passenger jets. ILFC signed up for aircraft from Airbus' recently unveiled A320 New Engine Option, a redesigned line known in the industry as A320neo and due for delivery starting in 2016. The A320neo order has a value of 9.4 billion dollars at list price, though significant discounts are typical for large contracts. Meanwhile, ILFC cancelled its order for 10 of the French-based manufacturer's double-decker, superjumbo A380s, citing the airline industry's increased demand for smaller aircraft. The massive jets have a list price of 375 million dollars each. At list prices, the bottom line of the new order and the cancellation would be an additional 5.6 billion dollars in sales for Airbus. ILFC also announced an order from US-based Boeing, Airbus' chief rival, for 33 medium-range 737-800s, which would be worth 2.6 billion dollars at list price. Like the A320neo line, the 737-800 is a single-aisle, narrow-bodied jet, but ILFC's Boeing order is due for delivery in 2012, four years ahead of the Airbus aircraft. The aviation and aerospace industries have enjoyed a post- recession resurgence amid rebounding tourism and business travel. Earlier Tuesday, state-run flagship carrier Air China said it had agreed to buy five Boeing 747-8 wide-bodied passenger planes with a list price of 1.54 billion dollars. The jumbo jets, which can be fitted with up to 500 seats, are due for 2014-15 delivery. Boeing on Tuesday said it had also won a commitment from Hong Kong Airlines to buy 38 aircraft: six 777 cargo planes, 30 787-9s and two luxury 787-8s.
