US lessor orders 60 Airbus A321neo jets worth $7.23bn

US-based Air Lease Corporation has made a firm order for 60 single-aisle Airbus A321neo planes worth $7.23 billion at list prices, the European planemaker said Monday.

ALC has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to be the launch customer of the Airbus A330-900neo by buying 25 of the wide-body aircraft. Together the deals are worth a potential $14.1 billion (10.3 billion euros) at list prices, Airbus said on the first day of the Farnborough airshow near London.

"The recently launched A330neo is a well-suited addition to ALC's fleet as we continue to provide our customers with the most modern, fuel efficient aircraft on the market," ALC chairman and chief executive Steven F. Udvar-Hazy said in a joint statement with Airbus.

Earlier Monday, Airbus launched the eagerly-awaited upgrade to its long-haul A330 passenger jet -- the A330neo -- which boasts more fuel-efficient engines powered by the British company Rolls-Royce.

The A330neo, seen as a direct competitor to Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, will be available in two versions, the A330-800neo and the A330-900neo.

"The A330neo, like the A320neo family, will have success in the medium range segment due to its combination of high reliability, exceptional comfort and low operating costs," added Udvar-Hazy.

"We see a significant market opportunity for the A330neo and we're pleased that the first order bears ALC's name.

"The A321neo credentials, such as its lower fuel-burn, high reliability and wider, more comfortable cabin, also fit well in our product portfolio of innovative, profitable aircraft," he said.