The 49th International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget will run from June 20-26, and will see 2,110 exhibitors, 340,000 trade and general public visitors and 200 international delegations.

It is the aviation and space industry’s largest event, and will see companies from across the globe view the 140 types of aircraft on display.

The show has also served as the platform for GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) to announce its most recent aircraft orders, including a firm order for 60 Airbus 320neo Family aircraft, selecting CFM’s LEAP-X engine for all 60 vehicles.

This order brings the total number of Airbus 320neo Family aircraft owned by GECAS to 390.

“The Airbus 320neo Family will bring fuel savings to customers while offering the same levels of in-service reliability they expect,” commented Norman C. T. Liu, president and CEO of GECAS.

“GECAS’ order is further demonstration of the undisputable success of the A320neo Family with customers,” said John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer, customers.

“This new order underlines its attractiveness in particular to leasing companies, who are expanding their portfolios with the world’s most modern, fuel efficient, single aisle aircraft. The low operating costs and proven high dispatch reliability offered by the A320 Family make it a strong asset for the GECAS portfolio,” he concluded.

Other orders

GECAS has also announced a new order for 15 ATR 72-600s, plus 15 options. The deal is valued at approximately $680m at list prices, including options. This is the first time that GECAS has placed an order with ATR.

“The ATR 72s have a wide operating base and fills out our fleet offering at GECAS,” said Liu. “There is good demand in the emerging markets and a strong replacement need as well.”

Filippo Bagnato, CEO of ATR, commented: “We are proud to associate such a prestigious brand as GECAS to the ATR family. This deal underlines the increasing interest of leasing companies for ATR aircraft, as they eye the success of our aircraft and, particularly, the increasing business opportunities they provide.”

“ATRs feature low operating cost profile and high levels of reliability and value retention. In the last three years, the number of ATRs in operation that belongs to leasing companies doubled.”

GECAS will also purchase two 747-8 Freighters and eight 777-300ERs (Extended Range). The 747-8 Freighter is a new model for the GECAS fleet.

“The addition of these 777s complements the order we placed last March for ten 777 wide bodies, and will help GECAS meet growing airline demand for long-haul passenger airplanes,” said Liu. “The two 747 freighters will broaden our cargo portfolio with a high demand freighter that has a well-established operator base.”

“GECAS has played an important role in the success of the 777, giving Boeing valuable feedback about the airplane’s performance, economics and demonstrating support for its value proposition over the years,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO for Boeing Commercial Airlines.

“With this agreement, we look forward to having GECAS play the same critical role in the 747-8 Freighter’s success.”

The new deal will bring the total number of 777s ordered by GECAS to 61.

Finally, GECAS has reached an agreement with Embraer to amend its original sales contract to include two more Embraer 190s. Delivery of the first aircraft is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2012.

GECAS currently has 93 E-Jets of all models on lease with 15 airlines around the world.

“GECAS is a valued customer and Embraer partner that is helping us facilitate the placement of E-Jets around the world,” said Paulo César de Souza e Silva, Embraer president, commercial aviation.

“We’ve been supporting the E-Jet program from the beginning and we recognised early the long-term potential for Embraer’s family of aircraft,” added Norman Liu.