Three major Chinese airlines have placed orders for a combined 95 Airbus aircraft with a total published list value of approximately $17.8 billion, continuing their investment in fleet modernization and long-term capacity growth.
The latest agreements include widebody Airbus A350-900 aircraft for Air China and A320neo-family narrowbody jets for Shenzhen Airlines and Hainan Airlines. The orders will be delivered between 2028 and 2032.
Air China and Hainan Airlines Lead New Orders
Air China, together with its subsidiary Shenzhen Airlines, has agreed to acquire 55 Airbus aircraft with a combined list value of approximately $12.4 billion.
Air China’s order consists of 15 Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft scheduled for delivery between 2030 and 2032. The airline said the aircraft will support future international network expansion while improving fleet efficiency.
Shenzhen Airlines will receive 40 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft between 2029 and 2032, strengthening its domestic and regional operations with more fuel-efficient single-aisle jets.
Separately, Hainan Airlines has ordered 40 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft valued at up to $5.4 billion. Deliveries are scheduled from 2028 through 2032.
Air China noted that the actual transaction prices are substantially below Airbus’ published list prices, reflecting the significant commercial discounts typically negotiated for large fleet orders.
Fleet Expansion and Modernization
According to Air China, the newly ordered aircraft will increase the group’s passenger and cargo transport capacity by approximately 7.1%. Shenzhen Airlines expects its own fleet capacity to grow by around 4.3% once all aircraft are delivered.
In addition to supporting future growth, part of the incoming fleet will replace older aircraft as they are gradually retired, improving fuel efficiency, reducing operating costs, and lowering emissions.
Part of a Broader Airbus Expansion in China
The latest purchases continue a series of significant Airbus orders by Chinese carriers in recent months.
China Eastern Airlines recently announced plans to acquire 25 Airbus A330neo widebody aircraft alongside 101 A320neo-family jets. China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines have also placed combined orders for 137 Airbus aircraft, underscoring sustained demand for new-generation aircraft across China’s aviation sector.
Orders Continue Despite Industry Challenges
The fleet expansion comes as Chinese airlines continue to face profitability challenges.
Earlier this week, Air China warned investors that it expects to report a first-half net loss of up to 2.6 billion yuan, citing higher fuel costs as one of the primary factors affecting financial performance.
Despite short-term economic pressures, airlines continue investing in newer aircraft that offer improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs over the long term.
The Airbus A320neo family competes directly with Boeing’s 737 MAX in the global single-aisle aircraft market, while the Airbus A350-900 remains one of the world’s leading long-haul widebody aircraft used by airlines on international routes.
