Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has just inked a deal with aircraft lessor AerCap to add six brand new Airbus A320neo family planes to their fleet, marking the carrier's first foray into A321neo models. The national flag carrier and the world’s largest aviation leasing company announced on October 2, 2024, that the agreement includes three A320neos and three A321neos slated for delivery starting in the spring of 2026 and extending through the end of that year.

Excited about the development, AZAL President Samir Rzayev shared, "The signing of these six leases significantly expands our fleet replacement, especially with the sought-after A321neo. These new aircraft are designed to cater to our passengers' evolving needs, offering maximum comfort and convenience while simultaneously facilitating the growth of our airline's route network. Our goal is to enhance travel options, fulfill customer expectations by introducing new destinations, and elevate service standards."

Rzayev further emphasized, "Moreover, inking a deal with a reputable company like AerCap solidifies AZAL’s strong presence in the global aviation market." Highlighting the operational plans, Azerbaijan Airlines mentioned that the A321neos will service routes to Turkey, the Middle East, and India, while the A320neos will primarily fly on European and Asian routes.

Echoing enthusiasm, AerCap's Chief Commercial Officer Peter Anderson stated, “AerCap is thrilled to welcome AZAL as a new client and assist them in expanding their fleet and network. The A320neo and A321neo aircraft are highly sought-after models globally and will not only enable AZAL to accommodate more passengers across diverse destinations but also support their initiative to modernize the fleet with cutting-edge, fuel-efficient planes.”

In preceding developments, Azerbaijan Airlines had previously placed an order for 12 A320neo family aircraft, expected to kick off deliveries in 2028. Additionally, the carrier has a standing order with Boeing for eight 787-8 Dreamliners set to arrive from 2026 onwards.

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