Azerbaijan’s AZAL Leases A320neo Aircraft with LEAP Engines

AZAL Azerbaijan Airlines (J2, Baku Heydar Aliev International) has signed a lease agreement with CDB Aviation for two A320-200neo aircraft, set for delivery in June and July 2025.

These new aircraft will be equipped with CFM International LEAP-1A engines, marking the first A320neo jets in AZAL’s fleet to feature this engine type. Currently, the airline operates three A320-200neo aircraft leased from Aviation Capital Group, all powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines, according to the ch-aviation fleets module.

In a statement last year, the airline’s president, Samir Rzaev, confirmed that AZAL plans to take delivery of three dry-leased A320neo Family aircraft between 2025 and 2026. Additionally, the carrier has orders for six A320-200neo and six A321-200neo aircraft from Airbus, with deliveries scheduled from 2028 to 2030. However, the choice of engines for these future deliveries has not yet been disclosed.

AZAL’s current narrowbody fleet includes three A319-100s and six A320-200s. The airline also wet-leases three A320-200s from Heston Airlines (HN, Vilnius).

This expansion and modernization of AZAL’s fleet with the addition of LEAP-powered A320neo aircraft are expected to enhance the airline’s operational efficiency and passenger experience.