It seems the orders continue to flow, with easyJet confirming a firm order with Airbus for a lot of A320 family aircraft.
The order confirms a firm order for 157 additional A320neo Family aircraft following shareholder approval. It also adds another 100 purchase rights.
The firm order comprises 56 A320neo and 101 A321neo aircraft and also includes the upsizing of an existing order for 35 A320neo into the larger A321neo. These will be delivered between 2029 and 2034.
The order and aircraft type conversion will provide easyJet with the opportunity to grow its capacity through a combination of incremental aircraft and accelerated upgauging to larger aircraft, as well as to complete its fleet replacement programme of older A319 aircraft and replace approximately half of the A320ceo aircraft, providing the foundation for disciplined growth and bringing cost and sustainability improvements to the business.
As for the 100 purchase rights, they provide the airline with the opportunity to further grow depending on when they are delivered.
The airline already has 69 A320neo Family aircraft in its fleet currently.
In Quotes
Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet siad
“We are very pleased to be able to confirm this significant order which not only enables easyJet to replace its older aircraft with more efficient aircraft, a core component of our net zero roadmap, but also provides us ability for disciplined growth, including the significant opportunity that upgauging brings, “
“With this order easyJet will be able to continue to cement its leading position at Europe’s primary airports and so we look forward to working in partnership with Airbus in the years to come.”
Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus added
“Airbus is delighted to be accompanying easyJet in its fleet growth and renewal. Its Airbus fleet allows easyJet to differentiate its offering in its competitive market with the most state-of-the-art, modern and comfortable aircraft,” said
“easyJet and Airbus both are strong advocates for the aviation sector to de-carbonise. This significant investment into the most fuel efficient and SAF-capable aircraft is a testimony to our joint commitment in this respect. Bravo easyJet, and thank you!”
Upsizing… as well as getting in, whilst they can
Airbus will be very happy to have this order in the bag after awaiting easyJet’s board to approve it – especially after Luthansa’s move to turn back to Boeing.
For easyJet, this is very much about the future – and operating the larger aircraft its traffic flows are now demanding – where an A319 won’t cut it any more. This can also be seen in the airlines placing 100 options at the same time – with delivery positions for Airbus single-aisle aircraft becoming rare (even as they move to higher rate production around the world), having the ability to flex up their order will be key, as easyJet targets growth.
With slots at popular airports always a constraint, having larger aircraft will help move more passengers – and thus, drive the revenue as it upgauges the fleet.
It’s certainly going to be a busy time for the airline as it cycles out its older aircraft, and inducts larger aircraft to take their place.
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