Hong Kong-based China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo and handed it over to U.S. low cost carrier Frontier Airlines.
China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC), the Hong-Kong based lessor, has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo, and in parallel celebrated handing it over to U.S. low cost carrier Frontier Airlines, which will operate the CFM Leap-powered aircraft.
CALC has 68 A320neo Family aircraft on order and a total of 147 Airbus aircraft in its orderbook. The handover to Frontier marked CALC's 100th aircraft delivery, including sale and leasebacks.
CALC CEO Mike Poon notes that the deal also marks the start of cooperation with Frontier Airlines owner Indigo Partners. Indigo hit the headlines at the recent Dubai Airshow with its record-breaking order for 430 A320s, including 134 for Frontier Airlines — 100 A320neos and 34 A321neos. Those aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2021 and 2026.
Frontier recently converted its remaining 18 A319neo orders to the A320neo aircraft. The airline currently has 67 A320neo aircraft on order, in addition to the Dubai order. It currently operates around 70 A319/320/321s.