Chinese Airlines Plan to Buy Airbus Jets in $8.2 Billion Deal

• Spring Airlines will buy 30 A320neo aircraft for up to $4.13 billion, while Juneyao Airlines plans to purchase 25 A320-family jets for approximately $4.1 billion
• Deliveries are scheduled in batches from 2028 to 2032, with both deals requiring government approval before finalization
• Airbus recently secured Chinese agreement to deliver 120 previously ordered jets but continues seeking progress on new orders amid ongoing negotiations

Chinese carriers Spring Airlines and Juneyao Airlines announced plans to purchase a combined 55 Airbus A320-family aircraft in deals worth $8.2 billion at list prices, according to Shanghai Stock Exchange filings on December 29.

Budget carrier Spring Airlines agreed to buy 30 A320neo jets for up to $4.13 billion, while Shanghai-based Juneyao Airlines plans to acquire 25 A320-family aircraft valued at approximately $4.1 billion. Both airlines expect delivery of the aircraft in batches between 2028 and 2032, pending government approvals.

The announcements represent a positive development for Airbus, which has been in protracted negotiations with China since at least 2024 to secure new orders. Earlier in December, Airbus confirmed it had received Chinese approval to proceed with deliveries of 120 previously ordered jets but was still awaiting progress on fresh orders.

These deals signal renewed momentum in China's aviation sector and demonstrate Chinese airlines' commitment to fleet expansion and modernization despite recent global aviation challenges. The orders also strengthen Airbus's position in the crucial Chinese market, where it competes with Boeing for market share.

The extended delivery timeline through 2032 suggests both airlines are taking a measured approach to capacity expansion while positioning themselves for long-term growth in China's domestic and regional travel markets. The A320neo family's fuel efficiency makes it particularly attractive for budget carriers like Spring Airlines seeking to maintain cost advantages.