Broughton: Global lessor JSA places first direct Airbus order for 50 aircraft

Global aircraft lessor Jackson Square Aviation (JSA) has placed a firm order for 50 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, marking its first direct purchase from the European aerospace giant.

The agreement makes JSA a new Airbus customer, further expanding its fleet offerings. JSA Chief Executive Officer Kevin McDonald described the deal as a key milestone for the company, which has long been involved in Airbus aircraft financing through sale and leaseback transactions.

“This is an exciting milestone in JSA’s history as a longtime global leader in the sale and leaseback financings of Airbus aircraft,” said McDonald. “JSA looks forward to our expanded relationship with Airbus. We are excited to add the A320neo to our long-term pipeline as we continue our mission to provide the world’s airlines with superior fleet and capital solutions.”

Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, welcomed JSA’s decision to invest in the A320neo Family, describing the aircraft as a market leader in efficiency and passenger comfort.

“Jackson Square Aviation has an impressive client base and we welcome its decision to become part of the Airbus family,” he said. “After a thorough evaluation, JSA’s selection of the Airbus A320neo adds the leading single-aisle aircraft family with outstanding performance and passenger comfort to its portfolio of aircraft for its airlines.”

JSA, which is part of the Japan-based Mitsubishi HC Capital Group, manages a global leasing portfolio for airlines worldwide.

The A320neo Family is the best-selling single-aisle aircraft range in the world, with over 19,000 orders to date. It offers a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft and is designed to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) today, with a pathway to 100% SAF use by 2030.

All the wings for A350 jets, another key Airbus model, are manufactured at the company’s Broughton facility highlighting the UK’s role in Airbus production.

JSA’s order strengthens its commitment to providing modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to airlines globally, further reinforcing the A320neo Family’s dominance in the single-aisle market.