British multinational low-cost airline, easyJet has confirmed a firm order for 157 additional aircraft following shareholder approval from Aerospace giant Airbus.
Building on a proud 100-year British aviation heritage, Airbus is part of the very fabric of the UK. Its 12,500-strong UK workforce is part of a global family of 130,000 employees around the world.
The company’s factory in Broughton, Flintshire is one of the biggest employers in North Wales with more than 5,000 staff. The factory produces the wings for all Airbus’ aircraft including the A320, A330, A340, A350 and the A380 superjumbo.
The Aerospace giant said the easyJet order comprises of 56 A320neo and 101 A321neo aircraft and also includes the upsizing of an existing order for 35 A320neo into the larger A321neo.
The agreement is part of easyJet’s fleet renewal and upgauging plan and is also bringing substantial sustainability improvements to its business.
The low-cost airline group headquartered at London Luton Airport operates domestic and international scheduled services on 927 routes in more than 34 countries.
“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, “commented Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet.
“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.”
“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 Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus.
“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!”
The A320neo Family is the world’s most popular single aisle having won over 18,000 orders from nearly 140 customers in all markets. The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance.
By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximizing passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the entire A320 Family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030.
To date over 5,600 A321neos have been ordered by more than 100 customers across the globe.
