Los Angeles-based ILFC, which controls a fleet of 930 jets leased to airlines around the world, did not give details of its target markets for the new jets, but said deliveries would begin next year.

The company, a unit of bailed-out insurance giant American International Group, said the purchases were possible thanks to new financing that boosted its liquidity.

ILFC said Boeing would begin delivering the 737-800 aircraft in 2012; Boeing gave a list-price value for the deal of more than $2.6 billion.

The Airbus order will replace a previous ILFC deal for 10 Airbus A380s, ILFC said.

"These orders rebalance ILFC's order book and allow us to continue to offer the most technologically advanced single-aisle aircraft to our customers," said chief executive Henri Courpron.

"They perfectly complement our existing widebody orders for the 787 and A350 aircraft," he said in a statement.

"We are pleased that the liquidity initiatives completed over the last twelve months have put ILFC in a position to take on these orders for new aircraft," said chief financial officer Fred Cromer.

The ILFC order came on the heels of an announcement by Hong Kong Airlines of 38 Boeing aircraft and Beijing flag-carrier Air China's order of five new Boeing 747-8 jumbo jets.