Airbus has secured another major order from China after Air China and its subsidiary Shenzhen Airlines announced plans to acquire a total of 55 new aircraft. Based on list prices, the transactions are valued at $12.44 billion, according to AeroTime News, citing documents submitted to the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Air China plans to take delivery of 15 Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft, while Shenzhen Airlines will expand its narrowbody fleet with an additional 40 aircraft from the A320neo family.

The list-price value of Air China’s portion of the order is estimated at $6.09 billion, while the Shenzhen Airlines transaction is worth approximately $6.35 billion. The actual purchase price is expected to be significantly lower, however, as Airbus will grant the carriers a substantial commercial discount, a common practice for large aircraft orders.

Deliveries of the A320neo aircraft intended for Shenzhen Airlines are scheduled between 2029 and 2032, while Air China is expected to receive its new A350-900s between 2030 and 2032. Some of the aircraft will be used to replace older members of the fleet, while the remainder will support gradual capacity growth and further network development.

Air China said the acquisition would optimize its fleet structure and provide the additional long-term capacity required by the group. Based on capacity figures at the end of 2025, the new aircraft could increase the overall capacity of the Air China Group by approximately 7.1%, while Shenzhen Airlines’ capacity could rise by around 4.3%.

Air China will pay part of the purchase price through advance payments made in installments, with the remaining balance settled upon delivery of each individual aircraft. Shenzhen Airlines plans to finance its purchase through a combination of internal funds, commercial bank loans and other financing methods.

Shenzhen Airlines’ board of directors unanimously approved the purchase, although the transaction must still receive shareholder approval and the consent of the relevant Chinese government authorities before it can take effect.

The latest order further confirms Airbus’ strong position in the Chinese market. In March, China Eastern Airlines announced the purchase of 101 aircraft from the A320neo family, followed in June by an order for 25 A330neo widebody aircraft. In April, China Southern Airlines and its subsidiary Xiamen Airlines agreed to acquire a total of 137 aircraft from the A320neo family.

Boeing has also recorded some movement in the Chinese market. China Southern Airlines ordered five Boeing 777-8F freighters and two 777Fs, with options for three additional 777Fs.

The large orders show that Chinese airlines continue to invest in long-term fleet renewal despite pressure from rising fuel costs and weaker financial results across parts of the sector. The A320neo aircraft will primarily support growth in domestic and regional traffic, while the additional A350-900s will allow Air China to modernize and expand capacity on long-haul international routes.