China Eastern Airlines to buy 25 Airbus A330neo jets for list price of US$9.4 billion

China Eastern Airlines said it will buy 25 Airbus A330neo jets for a catalogue price of about US$9.35 billion, as the Chinese carrier expands its widebody fleet to support more international routes. The carrier filed details to the Shanghai Stock Exchange on Jun 26, describing a purchase agreement signed earlier in the day in Shanghai. Deliveries are scheduled in batches from 2029 to 2033. China Eastern said the figure is based on Airbus’s January 2025 list prices, and that the actual transaction price should be lower due to a discount described as more favourable than in previous orders. The aircraft are expected to be deployed mainly from Shanghai Pudong Airport to grow long-haul frequencies and destinations, reinforcing the hub’s role for transfers. The deal follows a March Airbus agreement for 101 A320neo jets with a list price of about US$15.8 billion. The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and is due to replace at least 10 older A330s during the delivery period. Financing will use a mix of capital, loans, bond issuance, and other instruments.