China Aircraft Leasing Company, a rapidly growing Hong Kong-based aircraft leasing company, has signed a memorandum of understanding for 36 current generation A320 Family aircraft.

The deal includes eight A321s, the largest member of the A320 family and operators will be able to select Airbus’ new fuel saving Sharklets.

“This is an important milestone for CALC,” said Mike Poon, chief executive of CALC.

“We have a long-term commitment to the aviation industry and are very pleased to establish a relationship with Airbus.

“This sizeable aircraft order will lay the foundation for CALC to achieve our ambition to become a major aircraft lessor in the region.”

CALC currently owns a portfolio of 11 Airbus aircraft including five A320s, five A321s and one A330.

It also has three A330s and five A320s aircraft in its delivery pipeline.

With this new commitment, CALC’s Airbus fleet will grow to over 50.

Sharklets are new large wingtip devices measuring 2.5 metres tall which Airbus says reduce fuel burn by around 3.5 per cent over longer sectors.

This corresponds to an annual CO2 reduction of some 1000 tonnes per aircraft. Offered as an option for new-build A320 Family aircraft deliveries from end 2012, Sharklets also increase the A320 Family’s payload-range and improve take-off performance.