Air China orders 15 Airbus A350-900s and 40 A320neos for Shenzhen Airlines
Air China has informed the Shanghai Stock Exchange of the purchase of 15 A350-900 widebodies, with an additional order for 40 A320neo family aircraft for its subsidiary Shenzhen Airlines. On July 17, 2026, Air China declared that the 55 Airbus jets would cost a total of $12.44 billion, with the A350-900s priced at $6.09 billion and the Airbus A320neos for Shenzhen Airlines at around $6.35 billion. In the financial statement to the stock exchange, Air China said that Airbus will "provide the company with a substantial price concession based on the list price". Air China will pay part of the advance fee in installments, with the remaining balance to be settled on the delivery date of each aircraft. Shenzhen Airlines is to fund its transaction through a combination of internal funds, commercial bank loans and other financing methods. Jordan Tan / Shutterstock.com The purchase was unanimously agreed during a meeting of Shenzhen Airlines directors. The agreement is subject to approval by shareholders. Approval by relevant government authorities is also required before the deal can become effective. The 40 Airbus A320neo aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2032, the 15 A350-900s between 2030 and 2032. The airlines said that the additional aircraft will "optimize its fleet structure and supplement long-term capacity". In June 2026, Airbus landed a $9.5 billion order for A330neos from China Eastern Airlines, just three months after the carrier purchased 101 A320neo family aircraft. Boeing also saw movement in the Chinese market, with China Southern Airlines ordering five Boeing 777-8Fs and two 777Fs, with an option for three further 777Fs in the future. RELATED Rolls-Royce, Boeing and Lufthansa line up new 787-9 ecoDemonstrator venture
