Orders from two Asian airlines and an Irish aircraft leasing company have boosted the workload on Airbus production lines, with a significant impact on those located in El Puerto de Santa María (Cádiz) and Illescas (Toledo), as well as on the numerous suppliers involved in component manufacturing. The largest order comes from SMBC Aviation Capital and comprises 65 A321neo and 35 A320neo aircraft; Philippine Airlines has ordered nine A350s, while Tajik carrier Shohin Airlines has followed suit with four A320neo aircraft.

The Airbus plant in El Puerto de Santa María specialises in high-tech parts made from composite and metallic materials. Having adapted in recent years to meet the anticipated increase in orders for the A320 Family, the plant manufactures a range of parts and components for these models, including the elevators for the rear horizontal stabiliser and fan cowls (the doors that cover the engine). Advanced structural components for the A350 are also manufactured in Cádiz, while Illescas produces low wing covers and rear fuselage skins for the A350, as well as horizontal stabilisers for the A320.

Biggest customers
The Farnborough International Airshow in England provided the backdrop for the signing of an order for 100 aircraft by Irish company SMBC Aviation Capital, already one of the A320 Family’s biggest customers. Together with its parent company, Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation, it has now placed more than 900 direct orders for Airbus aircraft. The A320, a single-aisle aircraft, has now received more than 20,200 orders worldwide. The A321neo is the largest model in the family.

SMBC Aviation Capital CEO Peter Barrett explained that this order “will enable our airline customers to access a continuous stream of deliveries of state-of-the-art A320neo aircraft through to the mid-2030s”. He also added that it “reflects our confidence in the long-term demand for the A320neo Family”.

Meanwhile, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice-President of Sales for Airbus’s Commercial Aircraft division, highlighted that the A320neo is “the world’s most leased and traded aircraft, making it the benchmark for airlines, lessors and investors”.

New Philippine Airlines flagship aircraft
An order for nine A350-1000 wide-body aircraft from Philippine carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) was also announced at Farnborough, doubling an existing contract under which the first two aircraft were delivered this year. The airline has already chosen it as its new flagship aircraft, enabling it to expand its long-haul network with a non-stop range of 18,000 kilometres.

PAL Holdings President and Chief Operating Officer Lucio C. Tan III said that the aircraft “will continue to shape the future of our international operations for many years to come”, adding, “As the first and currently the only airline in Southeast Asia to operate the Airbus A350-1000, Philippine Airlines has experienced first-hand the aircraft’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort. It has expanded our reach across North America, while delivering the first-class travel experience our customers deserve”.

First order from Tajikistan
The four A320neo aircraft ordered by Shohin Airlines mark the first Airbus order from the private airline, which is based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and was founded in June 2025. There will in fact be two A320neo aircraft and two A321neo aircraft. As its Chief Executive, Zafar Ahmadzoda, explained, this first order “marks a milestone not only for Shohin Airlines, but also for Tajikistan’s entire civil aviation sector. The A320neo Family aircraft will form the backbone of our airline’s modern, efficient and environmentally sustainable fleet.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry responded, “Welcoming a new customer to the Airbus Family is always a proud moment, and we are honoured that Shohin Airlines has chosen Airbus to power its historic launch.”

^{Photo: Airbus}