This article is based on an official press release from BOC Aviation.

BOC Aviation and Philippine Airlines Seal Landmark Deal for Two Airbus A350-1000s

BOC Aviation Limited has officially announced a significant purchase-and-leaseback agreement with Philippine Airlines (PAL) involving two Airbus A350-1000 Commercial-Aircraft. According to the company’s statement released on December 4, 2025, this Contracts marks a dual milestone, it welcomes PAL as a new customer to the lessor’s portfolio and represents the first-ever addition of the A350-1000 model to the BOC Aviation fleet.

The agreement secures the immediate future of PAL’s long-haul capabilities, with the first aircraft scheduled for Delivery in December 2025. As the aviation industry continues to navigate a competitive landscape for wide-body assets, this deal underscores the strategic reliance on lessors to facilitate fleet modernization and capacity expansion.

Transaction Details and Aircraft Specifications

The deal is structured as a purchase-and-leaseback transaction, a financial mechanism where BOC Aviation purchases the aircraft and immediately leases them back to the Airlines. This allows Philippine Airlines to maintain liquidity while securing essential assets for its premier routes.

According to details released regarding the agreement, the two Airbus A350-1000s will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. The aircraft are expected to feature a high-density, premium tri-class configuration designed to accommodate 382 passengers. The layout includes:

• Business Class: 42 seats
• Premium Economy: 24 seats
• Economy Class: 316 seats

Steven Townend, CEO and Managing Director of BOC Aviation, highlighted the significance of the transaction in the official release:

“We are delighted to welcome PAL as a new customer. This is our first A350-1000 delivery and underscores our commitment to supporting the industry’s development with latest-technology aircraft. As a global aircraft operating lessor… our financial strength and orderbook allow us to support the growth of our airline customers with both capital and capacity.”

Strategic Implications for Philippine Airlines

For Philippine Airlines, the acquisition of the A350-1000 is a critical component of its “Fleet Modernization” strategy. The airline aims to operate one of the youngest fleets in Asia, replacing older Boeing 777-300ERs with more fuel-efficient alternatives. The A350-1000 is currently the only aircraft in PAL’s inventory capable of operating non-stop on its longest transpacific routes, specifically Manila to New York (JFK) and Manila to Toronto, without payload restrictions.

Richard Nuttall, President and COO of Philippine Airlines, commented on the operational benefits of the new airframes:

“The addition of the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet marks a pivotal step in Philippine Airlines’ ongoing fleet modernization program. This investment not only aligns with our commitment to operating one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the region, but also ensures we can deliver world-class comfort, reliability, and efficiency to our passengers.”

AirPro News Analysis: The Wide-Body Market Context

This transaction occurs against the backdrop of a tightened wide-body market in late 2025. Industry data indicates a persistent shortage of twin-aisle aircraft driven by manufacturing delays and a robust resurgence in long-haul international travel. Consequently, lease rates have risen, and securing delivery slots has become increasingly competitive.

By securing these assets through BOC Aviation, PAL bypasses potential delivery backlogs that might affect direct orders. Furthermore, the deal highlights BOC Aviation’s substantial market position. As of September 30, 2025, the lessor reported a total portfolio of 812 aircraft owned, managed, and on order, demonstrating the liquidity required to execute large-scale capital deployments during periods of high demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Philippine Airlines receive the new aircraft?

According to the press release, the first Airbus A350-1000 is scheduled for delivery in December 2025.

What routes will these aircraft fly?

While specific scheduling is subject to change, the aircraft are intended for PAL’s premier long-haul routes to North America, including non-stop services from Manila to New York and Toronto.

How many passengers can the new A350-1000 carry?

The aircraft will be configured with a premium tri-class layout totaling 382 seats.

Sources

• BOC Aviation Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from the Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Transport.

Kazakhstan Signs Strategic Agreement with Airbus for 50 A320neo Jets and Regional Training Hub

In a significant move to modernize its national aviation infrastructure, the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan has signed a strategic agreement with European aerospace giant Airbus. The deal, finalized during the Kazakhstan-France Business Council meeting in Paris on December 5-6, 2025, outlines the acquisition of up to 50 Airbus A320neo family aircraft and the establishment of a certified regional training center in Kazakhstan.

According to the Civil Aviation Committee (CAA) of Kazakhstan, the agreement was signed by Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastaev and Airbus Vice President for Euro-Asia Charbel Youzkatli. The signing occurred within the framework of the 16th Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, underscoring the deepening diplomatic and industrial ties between Astana and Paris.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) serves as a formal government-backed framework to support the fleet expansion of the Air Astana Group, which includes the national flag carrier Air Astana and the low-cost operator FlyArystan. Beyond the hardware, the agreement places a heavy emphasis on localizing aviation expertise through new training and maintenance facilities.

Details of the Aircraft Acquisition

The core of the agreement involves a substantial commitment to the Airbus A320neo family, a narrow-body aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and operational range. The Ministry of Transport has confirmed the structure of the deal includes both firm Orders and options.

Order Structure and Delivery Timeline

As outlined in the official announcement, the agreement covers a total potential of 50 aircraft:

• Firm Orders: 25 aircraft.
• Options: 25 additional aircraft.

Deliveries are currently scheduled to commence in 2031. However, the CAA noted that both parties are actively discussing mechanisms to accelerate this timeline. The 2031 slot likely reflects the current global backlog in aerospace manufacturing, prompting the Kazakh government to intervene diplomatically to secure earlier slots to meet pressing demand.

“The parties discussed the supply of A320neo aircraft… [and] the possibility of accelerating deliveries.”

, Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan

This procurement aligns with the Air Astana Group’s broader Strategy to expand its fleet to 80 units by 2028, with continued growth projected into the next decade.

Industrial Cooperation: Training and Maintenance

A pivotal component of this agreement is the shift from a purely transactional relationship to a strategic industrial partnership. The Ministry of Transport emphasized that the deal includes the creation of a “certified regional Training center” within Kazakhstan.

Localization of Expertise

The proposed training center aims to prepare pilots and technical personnel domestically, reducing the country’s reliance on foreign training facilities. By establishing this infrastructure, Kazakhstan intends to position itself as a regional aviation hub for Central Asia, offering certified training standards that meet European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements.

MRO and Leasing

In addition to training, the talks in Paris covered the establishment of a maintenance and repair organization (MRO) base in Kazakhstan. This builds upon discussions initiated in July 2025 regarding a service center capable of handling both civil and state aviation needs. The parties also explored efficient leasing mechanisms to finance the incoming fleet, ensuring the financial sustainability of the expansion.

Route Expansion and Connectivity

The diplomatic meetings in Paris also yielded agreements on expanding air connectivity between Kazakhstan and France. Officials discussed the resumption of direct flights between the capitals, Astana and Paris. Furthermore, a new route connecting Shymkent, Kazakhstan’s third-largest city, to Nice, France, is under consideration.

These route expansions are supported by the recent resolution of technical issues. The CAA confirmed that as of December 1, 2025, all A320 family aircraft in Kazakhstan affected by a November EASA directive regarding elevator control unit software had been successfully updated and returned to service.

AirPro News Analysis

Supply Chain Realities vs. Ambition: The 2031 delivery start date highlights the severe constraints currently facing the global aerospace supply chain. While the order for 50 jets is robust, the six-year lead time suggests that Air Astana may need to rely on the leasing market or lease extensions to bridge the gap between its 2028 growth targets and the arrival of these factory-fresh units.

Strategic Autonomy: The establishment of a domestic training center is arguably as significant as the aircraft order itself. Currently, many Central Asian carriers must send crews to Europe or the Middle East for simulator training. By localizing this capability, Kazakhstan not only retains capital within its economy but also strengthens its soft power in the region by potentially offering training services to neighboring nations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new Airbus aircraft arrive in Kazakhstan?
Official deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2031, though the government is negotiating to accelerate this timeline.

What specific aircraft were ordered?
The agreement covers the Airbus A320neo family. While the specific breakdown between A320neo and A321neo variants was not detailed in the initial release, Air Astana currently operates both types.

Does this agreement affect FlyArystan?
Yes. As part of the Air Astana Group, the low-cost carrier FlyArystan utilizes an all-Airbus A320 fleet and will likely be a beneficiary of the fleet modernization program.

Sources

• Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan
• Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan

This article is based on an official press release from Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company and supplementary industry research.

Vietjet Secures 22 New Aircraft in Historic Year-End Fleet Expansion

Vietjet has officially launched the most significant fleet expansion in its operating history, receiving a total of 22 new Commercial-Aircraft during the 2025 year-end festive season. According to the airline’s latest announcement, this strategic influx of capacity is designed to meet surging travel demand for Christmas and the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026, while simultaneously supporting a broader international network growth strategy.

The delivery of these aircraft comes at a critical time for the global aviation industry, which continues to grapple with severe supply chain disruptions and delivery delays from major Manufacturers. By securing 22 aircraft in a condensed timeframe, Vietjet aims to bolster its operational resilience and capture market share during the peak holiday travel window.

Breakdown of the Fleet Expansion

The 22-aircraft addition comprises a mix of direct manufacturer deliveries and strategic wet leases, diversified across Airbus, Boeing, and COMAC models. This diversification allows the airline to serve high-density trunk routes, international connections, and niche island destinations effectively.

Airbus A321neo ACF: The Core Growth

A significant portion of the expansion involves seven new Airbus A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex) aircraft. These units are intended to serve as the backbone of Vietjet’s Vietnam-based operations. On December 4, 2025, the Airlines welcomed the latest of these jets, registered as VN-A580, at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

According to Vietjet, the A321neo ACF configuration offers up to 240 seats and provides substantial environmental benefits, including at least 16% fuel savings, up to 75% noise reduction, and 50% fewer emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.

Boeing 737-8 (MAX) for Vietjet Thailand

In a major milestone for its subsidiary operations, Vietjet has integrated nine Boeing 737-8 aircraft into the Vietjet Thailand fleet. The first of these, registered HS-VZA, arrived in Bangkok on November 23, 2025. This delivery marks the commencement of Vietjet’s historic order for 200 Boeing aircraft.

These aircraft are initially slated for the Bangkok–Chiang Mai route, with plans to expand into international service connecting Bangkok to Cam Ranh, Vietnam, later in December 2025.

Strategic Wet Leases and Niche Operations

To address immediate peak season capacity needs, the airline has also secured four wet-leased aircraft, likely Airbus A320s based on historical partnership patterns with providers such as Freebird Airlines. These “wet leases” include aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance, allowing for immediate deployment.

Additionally, industry reports indicate the inclusion of two COMAC C909 (formerly ARJ21) aircraft, wet-leased from Chengdu Airlines. These specialized regional jets are deployed specifically for routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao, an island destination with runway limitations that restrict larger jet operations.

Operational Strategy and Market Impact

Vietjet’s ability to secure such a large volume of aircraft amidst a global shortage is a focal point of their current operational narrative. The airline emphasizes that this move is not merely about holiday capacity but about long-term positioning in the Asian market.

“In a global context of aircraft shortages and disrupted supply chains… Vietjet’s ability to receive 22 modern aircraft in less than one month strongly affirms its reputation, strong financial capacity, and standing in the international market.”

, Vietjet Press Statement, December 5, 2025

AirPro News Analysis

From our perspective at AirPro News, this expansion highlights a divergence between Vietjet and many of its regional competitors who are currently scaling back due to engine recalls and delivery delays. By leveraging a mixed fleet strategy, utilizing both Airbus and Boeing, alongside wet leases, Vietjet is effectively hedging against single-source supply chain risks.

Financially, the market appears to be responding positively to this aggressive growth. Market data indicates that Vietjet Aviation JSC (VJC) stock is trading strongly, hovering around 207,500 VND as of early December 2025. With reported revenues of approximately $2 billion USD in the first nine months of 2024, the carrier has the capital required to sustain these leases and acquisitions. The move to secure capacity now positions them to maximize yields during the Tet 2026 period, where demand typically outstrips supply.

Route Expansion and Holiday Readiness

The new fleet will immediately support the airline’s Lunar New Year schedule. Vietjet has opened sales for approximately 2.5 million tickets for the Tet 2026 travel period (January–February). The additional capacity will allow for increased frequencies on key domestic trunk routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, Da Nang, Vinh, and Thanh Hoa.

Internationally, the expansion supports new routes targeting North Asia and Oceania. Beyond the new Bangkok–Cam Ranh service, the airline is progressing with plans for routes to Japan, South Korea, and a long-haul connection between Ho Chi Minh City and Auckland, New Zealand, utilizing its wide-body A330 fleet.

Sources

• Vietjet Air Official Press Release