ILFC signs MOU for 100 A320neos, chooses PW1100G engine; also orders 33 737-800s

Computer-generated drawing of ILFC A321neo. Photo: Courtesy, Airbus.

ILFC signed an MOU with Airbus covering orders for 100 A320neo family aircraft including 25 A321neos and became the first of four companies committing to the narrowbody to make an engine selection, choosing Pratt & Whitney's PurePower PW1100G. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2016.

But the commitment comes at a cost for Airbus: ILFC terminated its purchase agreement for 10 A380s as part of the MOU. Airbus COO-Customers John Leahy said in a statement that the A380 program is "long term," adding, "The A380 continues to win new customers and many are coming back for with repeat orders." 

Separately, the lessor inked a purchase agreement with Boeing for 33 737-800s with deliveries starting in 2012.

ILFC CEO Henri Courpron said, "These orders rebalance ILFC's order book and allow us to continue to offer the most technologically advanced single-aisle aircraft to our customers. They perfectly complement our existing widebody orders for the 787 and A350 aircraft."

Previous commitments for the A320neo have come from TAM, which signed an MOU for 22; Virgin America, which has a firm order for 30; and Indian LCC IndiGo, which inked an MOU for 150 (ATW Daily News, March 1).Those airlines have not made a decision between the PW1100G and CFM's Leap-X engine.

Pratt said a contract signed with ILFC includes 120 firm PW1100G orders for 60 aircraft and options for up to 80 for the additional 40 aircraft. "Pratt & Whitney is delighted with this strong endorsement of the PurePower PW1100G engine," Commercial Engines & Global Services President Todd Kallman said in a statement.

The 33 737-800s are valued at more than $2.6 billion based on list prices, according to Boeing. The manufacturer noted that ILFC's 737-800s will be delivered with the new Sky Interior.