ACG orders 75 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft
Aviation Capital Group LLC, a leading global aircraft asset manager based in Newport Beach, California, has finalized a firm order for 75 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, marking the largest purchase in the company's nearly 40-year history. The transaction brings ACG's total historical orders for the type to 190 aircraft.
Thomas Baker, Chief Executive Officer and President of ACG, described the investment as a statement of confidence in air travel's long-term future. The company's portfolio strategy centers on new-technology narrowbody aircraft that command the strongest demand from airlines worldwide, he noted, positioning ACG as an essential link between airlines, aircraft and capital markets.
The order reflects robust momentum in the aircraft leasing sector, where narrowbody jets account for approximately 72% of leased commercial passenger aircraft demand. The global aircraft leasing market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 11.8% through 2034, driven by rising passenger traffic, high aircraft acquisition costs, and airlines' preference for asset-light operating models.
ACG's order follows similar commitments from competing lessors in 2026. AerCap, the world's largest aircraft lessor, placed an order for 100 additional A320neo Family aircraft in March, while SMBC Aviation Capital ordered 100 units in July. The pattern demonstrates strong industry-wide confidence in narrowbody demand.
Strong Financial Position
ACG reported available liquidity of $5.1 billion as of December 31, 2025, providing substantial capacity to fund future aircraft acquisitions. The company achieved record annual revenue of $1.3 billion in 2025 and reported pre-tax income of $751 million for the year. The financial results included $551 million in net insurance benefits related to the company's exposure in Russia. Excluding these insurance proceeds, pre-tax income totaled $200 million, representing a 15% increase compared with 2024.
In August 2026, Japanese trading company Itochu agreed to invest approximately $1.9 billion for a 50% stake in ACG, a transaction that would position the combined entity among the world's top five aircraft lessors. ACG is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation, which initially acquired a 20% stake in December 2017 before completing full ownership in December 2019.
Long-Standing Partnership
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for the Commercial Aircraft business, emphasized the significance of the long-term partnership between the two companies. The relationship dates back to 2007, when ACG placed its first direct order with Airbus, establishing a collaboration that has now spanned 19 years. The latest investment will enable ACG to offer the A320neo Family to its customers well into the next decade, he said.
The A320neo Family holds approximately 60% market share in the single-aisle segment. The aircraft achieves fuel efficiency gains through two engine options: the CFM International LEAP-1A and the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM. The Family offers at least 20% fuel savings and carbon dioxide reduction compared to previous-generation single-aisle aircraft, while providing one of the widest single-aisle cabins available.
The A320 Family has accumulated more than 20,400 orders globally, making it the world's most popular single-aisle aircraft. The lineup includes the A320neo and A321neo, both offering extended range and performance capabilities.
As of December 31, 2025, ACG's portfolio comprised 446 owned, managed and committed aircraft leased to approximately 85 airlines operating in around 50 countries. The fleet includes Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, Airbus A220s, Boeing 737 MAX jets and Boeing 787 widebodies. ACG provides comprehensive aircraft asset management and financing solutions to airlines worldwide.
Total assets for the company stood at $13.7 billion as of year-end 2025.
