The aircraft orders involve Air China, its subsidiary Shenzhen Airlines and Hainan Airlines, with deliveries scheduled over the next several years as the carriers seek to meet growing travel demand while improving fuel efficiency.
According to filings submitted to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, Air China and Shenzhen Airlines will acquire a total of 55 Airbus aircraft valued at about $12.4 billion, while Hainan Airlines will purchase 40 A320neo-family aircraft with a combined list price of approximately $5.4 billion.
As part of the agreement, Air China, the country's flag carrier, will take delivery of 15 Airbus A350-900 wide-body aircraft, valued at around $6.09 billion, between 2030 and 2032. Shenzhen Airlines will receive 40 Airbus A320neo-family narrow-body jets worth about $6.35 billion over the same period, while Hainan Airlines' 40 A320neo aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2032.
Air China noted in its regulatory filing that the actual purchase price would be significantly lower than the published list price, explaining that Airbus had granted substantial discounts, a common practice for large commercial aircraft orders.
The latest acquisitions come as Chinese airlines continue rebuilding and expanding their fleets following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, many carriers are grappling with rising operating costs and weaker profitability.
Air China recently projected a net loss of up to 2.6 billion yuan for the first half of the year, attributing the expected loss to soaring fuel costs, which it said had "drastically squeezed" the airline's profit margins.
The orders also reflect China's growing preference for Airbus aircraft in recent years. Last month, China Eastern Airlines announced plans to purchase 25 Airbus A330neo aircraft valued at about $9.35 billion after unveiling a separate order in March for 101 A320neo jets worth approximately $15.8 billion. In April, China Southern Airlines and its subsidiary, Xiamen Airlines, agreed to acquire 137 Airbus aircraft in a deal valued at about $21.4 billion.
According to Air China, the newly ordered aircraft are expected to increase the combined passenger and cargo capacity of the Air China Group by about 7.1 per cent, while Shenzhen Airlines' capacity is projected to grow by approximately 4.3 per cent, based on operational figures as of December 31, 2025. Some of the incoming aircraft will also replace older, less fuel-efficient jets scheduled for retirement.
The Airbus A320neo family is one of the world's most popular single-aisle aircraft and competes directly with Boeing's 737 MAX on short- and medium-haul routes. The larger A350-900 is widely deployed on long-haul international services and is recognised for its improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.