Airbus Bags Hefty Aircraft Orders From China Southern, Xiamen Airlines

By Mauro Orru

Airbus secured orders for 137 A320neo series aircraft from China Southern Airlines and its subsidiary Xiamen Airlines, a boost for the European plane maker as several carriers continue to choose its narrow-body aircraft to expand their fleets.

China Southern Airlines said it had signed an agreement for 102 aircraft, with Xiamen Airlines agreeing to purchase 35 ​of the A320neo series planes. While the companies said the aircraft had a combined list price of roughly $21.4 billion, the airlines secured significant discounts from Airbus as is customary for orders of this magnitude.

The carriers said the aircraft were slated for delivery between 2028 and 2032. The A320 is by far Airbus's most popular jet: The series accounted for 607 out of 793 commercial-aircraft deliveries across all types last year.

Last month, aviation leasing group AerCap Holdings ordered 23 A320neos and 77 A321neos aircraft. In February, Airbus said it received an order for four A321neo narrow-body aircraft from Tigerair Taiwan.

Airbus shares gained nearly 6% Wednesday, boosted by the China Southern and Xiamen Airlines orders, but also remarks from Airbus executives during the company's first-quarter earnings call that reassured investors the group would be able to meet its annual delivery target.

Airbus confirmed its target of roughly 870 deliveries this year despite a Pratt & Whitney engine shortage. Chief Executive Guillaume Faury said Tuesday that talks with Pratt & Whitney were progressing, though some disagreements remained.

Write to Mauro Orru at mauro.orru@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 29, 2026 11:13 ET (15:13 GMT)