China Eastern orders over 100 Airbus aircraft, plans to retire at least 53 A320s

China Eastern Airlines has placed a $15.802 billion Airbus order for 101 A320neo family aircraft, comprised of A320neo, A321neo and A321XLR single aisle jets.

On March 25, 2026, China Eastern Airlines confirmed details to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, where the carrier indicated that the price was based on Airbus’ January 2024 catalogue price.

In a translation of the stock exchange filing, China Eastern Airlines said that the new aircraft would be delivered in batches from 2028 to 2032.

The Chinese-owned carrier said that nine planes will be delivered in 2028, followed by 19 in 2029 and 30 in 2030. In 2031, 27 aircraft would be delivered and finally 16 would arrive with the airline in 2032.

China Eastern Airlines added that between 2028 and 2032 at least 53 Airbus A320 aircraft would be retired due to leases expiring or age.

“Therefore, the 101 aircraft purchased this time will partially serve as replacements for the existing fleet,” said China Eastern Airlines’ filing.

The airline added that the delivery time frames and aircraft type ordered may change in the future depending on market conditions and capacity planning.

Additionally, China Eastern Airlines said that the new aircraft will support the company’s strategy of “flying further afield, flying internationally and flying to emerging markets”.

In a statement to AFP, a spokesperson for China Eastern Airlines, said: Following multiple rounds of commercial negotiations, the actual price of the aircraft transaction reached through negotiations between the Company and Airbus was significantly lower than the standard list price.”

They added that the transaction still required regulatory approval.

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