Airbus announced deals today covering 143 aircraft worth more than $15.5 billion at list prices, although all but 20 of these orders had already been outlined in earlier agreements.

The majority of the orders came from fast-growing lessor Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Capital, which confirmed a deal for 100 aircraft. Tunisair also confirmed an earlier commitment for 16 aircraft. The new deals were 23 firm orders for lessor Aviation Capital Group, and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Qatar for four aircraft.

A320s dominated the total, accounting for 103 of the 143.

The ACG order covers 23 A320s, worth $1.8 billion at list prices. A few of these will arrive at the end of 2009, but most will arrive from

2014 onward, says ACG Managing Director and CEO Stephen Hannahs. "More and more airlines will turn to leasing companies" in the current industry environment, Hannahs believes. Airlines want more fuel efficient fleets, but current credit market constraints means it will be harder for many airlines to finance their own orders.

An MOU for the DAE order was signed at the Dubai airshow last year, but the aircraft had not yet been placed on the Airbus backlog. The order--valued at $12.6 billion--includes 70 A320 family aircraft and 30 A350-900s. The total value includes $1.2 billion worth of Trent XWB engines from Rolls-Royce for the A350s.

These aircraft are currently scheduled to begin arriving in 2013, although DAE CEO Bob Genise said the company would like to find earlier slots if any become available. The company is discussing placements with some airlines, although no deals have been reached yet.

The latest order means DAE now has 200 aircraft on order, with most due to be delivered in 2011 and beyond. DAE is far from finished growing its portfolio, Genise said. The company is planning to enter into more sale/leaseback agreements with airlines, and also wants to add more aircraft this year through acquisitions from other companies.

Tunisair is ordering three A350-800s, three A330-200s and 10 A320s, worth about US$2 billion at list prices. This confirms an initial agreement signed in April. The A330s will be delivered in 2012 and 2013, the A320s between 2011 and 2016, and the A350s in 2018 and 2019.

The A330s--and eventually the A350s--will allow Tunisair to develop its long-haul plans, with the airline planning to introduce North American routes soon. Tunisair said the A320s will help "renew and expand" its regional network.