Sichuan Airlines of China has signed a purchase agreement for 10 Airbus A350-900’s. The deal is subject to government approval, and valued at 200 billion yuan ($31.56 billion) at list price. This represents the largest aircraft order ever by the Chengdu-based airline, although major customers usually negiotiate large discounts.
The airline announced the order following the leasing of 4 A350-900’s through AerCap (3) and Air Lease Corporation (1). Those aircraft had been slated for Sri Lankan Airlines, but that airline canceled the order last year amid high debt levels. The first of the leased A350-900’s was spotted in September of last year sporting a panda livery. The airline expects the A350’s to serve the international market, and has applied for nonstop service from Chengdu to Los Angeles.
Sichuan Airlines is partially owned by the provincial government, as well as stakes held by China Southern, China Eastern, and Shandong Airlines. Sichuan is currently the largest Airbus operator in China, operating over 130 of the European aircraft. These operations including the A320-neo, A321, and both A330 200 and 300 series aircraft. It’s current long-haul flights operate to Moscow, Vancouver, and Auckland. The carrier has also placed a firm order for 20 of the Chinese built Comac C919 narrow body aircraft.
