Azerbaijan Airlines has signed a lease agreement with AerCap for three Airbus A320neos and three A321neos.

The six CFM LEAP-powered airframes are scheduled for delivery throughout 2026. The airline already operates three A320neos after placing an order with Airbus for 12 of the type in April 2023.

Samir Rzayev the airline’s president, said the aircraft’s arrival, particularly the larger A321neo, is “intended to meet the evolving needs of our passengers, providing them with maximum comfort and convenience, while also contributing to the expansion of our airline’s route network”.

The order also marks the introduction of the A321neo into the carrier’s fleet. It will be used on routes to Turkey, the Middle East and India. Meanwhile, the A320neo will primarily operate on European and Asian routes. Rzayev added that the arrival of the new jets will “create better travel opportunities and meet customer expectations by opening new destinations and improving service quality”.

According to Planespotters.net, the airline has a fleet of 26 in-service aircraft, which includes a mix of Airbus A319 and A320ceos, three Boeing 767-300ERs, two 787-8 Dreamliners, a single 757-200 and six Embraer E190s.

Peter Anderson, CCO of AerCap, said the lessor was “delighted” to welcome the airline as a new customer and would “support them with their ongoing fleet and network expansion.”