BOC Aviation, the Singapore-based aircraft leasing unit of Bank of China, has placed additional firm orders with Airbus for 20 A320 Family aircraft. The announcement was made at the Zhuhai Airshow in China on Nov. 4.

"Our latest orders reflect ongoing demand for leased aircraft from the A320 Family at both full service and low cost airlines around the world," said Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, BOC Aviation. "The decision to acquire these additional aircraft also represents a sound investment in a proven asset, offering long term value for our business."

"The order from BOC Aviation is another vote of confidence in the proven appeal of the A320 Family, especially as airlines around the world look to replace older aircraft with newer, more efficient models," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. "It also reflects the proven underlying value of the A320 Family as a long term investment for the aircraft leasing community."

BOC Aviation, formerly known as Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE), is the largest Asia-based aircraft leasing company. Altogether, the company has now ordered 98 single aisle aircraft directly from Airbus, of which 58 have already been delivered. The lessor also has five A330-200F freighters on firm order for future delivery.

The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly-by-wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range. More than 6,300 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and more than 3,600 delivered to some 280 customers and operators worldwide, making it the worlds best selling commercial jetliner ever.

With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerised cargo system, which is compatible with the worldwide standard widebody system.

Airbus is an EADS company.

Photograph: Airbus announced BOC Aviation's order of 20 A320 Family aircraft during a press conference held in Zhuhai, China, on Nov. 4. Photographer: Simon Li