Member Article

easyJet strike Airbus deal for 135 aircraft

EasyJet plc have stuck a deal with Airbus for 135 new A320 aircraft, which would be worth nearly £7bn at list price.

The low cost carrier claims to have negotiated a “very substantial discount” with Airbus, and under the agreement a further 100 ‘New Generation’ A320neo aircraft could be acquired.

85 of the new aircraft will be used to replace easyJet’s existing fleet, while the additions will grow seat capacity between 3-5% per year.

Carolyn McCall, easyJet Chief Executive, commented: “I am delighted that easyJet is able to announce its fleet plans today.

“All manufacturers competed hard for the easyJet business. Both Airbus and Boeing offered us new generation aircraft that met our requirements and offered greatly improved fuel efficiency.

“Ultimately, Airbus offered us the best deal, and at a price with a greater discount to the list price than their landmark fleet purchase with easyJet in 2002.

“These arrangements combined with easyJet’s cost advantage, leading network and compelling customer proposition mean that easyJet is uniquely positioned to be a structural winner in European aviation.

“This is a great outcome for easyJet, our shareholders and our passengers, and will ensure that easyJet is able to continue its successful strategy of delivering profitable growth and returns to shareholders.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .