EasyJet has agreed a proposed deal with Airbus to purchase 56 A320neo aircraft for delivery between 2026 and 2029.
The proposed purchase “firms up” easyJet’s order book with Airbus for the next few years, as part of its “refresh” of aircraft, which will see its older A319s and A320s leave the fleet as they reach the “end of their useful life”.
“These aircraft will become economically unviable for our high intensity low-cost operation and will need replacement if we are to maintain the current scale of our business,” said the UK-based company in a statement.
EasyJet also proposes to convert an existing order for 18 A320neos to 18 A321neo aircraft, which will still be delivered as scheduled between 2024 and 2027.
Johan Lundgren, easyJet’s chief executive, said the latest order with Airbus would provide benefits through “up gauging, cost efficiencies and sustainability enhancements”.
“We believe this will support positive returns for the business and the delivery of our strategic objectives,” added Lundgren.
The order was a piece of good news for easyJet after struggling through operational difficulties this summer as travel recovers.
The airline on Monday (20 June) said it was cutting back its summer 2022 schedule after two of its largest airports, London Gatwick and Amsterdam, decided to cap flights this summer.
In another positive move, easyJet has also been awarded 18 slots at Lisbon airport by the European Commission, which were previously owned by Portuguese carrier TAP. The decision will allow easyJet to become the second largest carrier at Lisbon airport.