TOKYO: The operator of Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) said today it has decided to order a total of 48 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus for deliveries from 2021 through 2025.
ANA Holdings said it would buy 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes and 18 Airbus A320neo units,  citing growing demand in the region and increased inbound tourism to Japan. The company said the 30 Boeing jets would have a catalog price of 383 billion yen ($3.5 billion),  adding that the firm has so far confirmed orders for 20 units, with an option to buy 10 more. The 18 Airbus orders are all confirmed, but the engine’s manufacturer is yet to be decided.
For now, the Airbus deal has a catalog price of 166 billion yen, ANA Holdings said. The deal makes ANA the first Japanese buyer of the Boeing model, while the Airbus  A320neo already serves ANA’s international routes. The company praised the fuel efficiency of the two models. Separately, the Japanese firm also said it will spend $95 million to buy 9.5 percent of PAL  Holdings, which operates flag carrier Philippine Airlines.
“Asia is a key growth market and we believe Philippine Airlines is in an excellent operational position to capitalize on both the strong uptick in air traffic growth as well as the vibrant, expanding  Philippine economy,” ANA Holdings President Shinya Katanozaka said in a statement. For nine months to December, ANA Holdings said its net profit dropped 30.2 percent to  106.8 billion yen. The fall was due partly to comparison effects as the previous year saw special income related to making low-cost carrier Peach Aviation its subsidiary.