With just days to go until 2024, easyJet has confirmed a firm order for 157 additional A320neo Family aircraft following shareholder approval. 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. The agreement is part of easyJet’s fleet renewal and upgauging plan and is also bringing substantial sustainability improvements to its business.
“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, and Airbus claims its success is by 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 maximising 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.
Türkiye’s national carrier, Turkish Airlines, will expand its fleet with an order for 220 Airbus aircraft, made up of 150 Airbus’ best-selling A321s and 70 of the world’s most modern and efficient A350 widebody aircraft (50 A350-900s, 15 A350-1000s and 5 A350F freighters). This follows two orders from the airline for 10 A350-900s in September and four A350-900s in July 2023. This latest order will take Turkish Airlines’ total orderbook for Airbus aircraft to 504, of which 212 are already delivered. “On the new order, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Dr Ahmet Bolat stated: “This landmark order is more than an expansion; it’s a testament to our dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and a sustainable future. The addition of these advanced Airbus aircraft to our fleet will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also significantly contribute to our environmental goals. This investment is a crucial milestone in the further evolution of Türkiye’s aviation industry. By modernising our fleet with more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft, we are reinforcing our leading position in global aviation and contributing to the nation’s prominence as an aviation hub.”
The Lufthansa Group is purchasing a total of 80 short and medium-haul aircraft. It consists of the purchase of 40 Airbus A220-300s and 20 purchasing options, plus 40 Boeing 737-8 MAX and 60 purchasing options, and purchase options for 40 additional aircraft of the A320 family. The aircraft orders agreed are worth around $9bn at list prices, but the airline says the order is not expected to have a significant impact on the Group's capital expenditure in 2023 and 2024, the period covered by the current medium-term plan. Net investments of between €2.5bn and €3bn are expected in 2023. Capital expenditure in 2024 is expected to be at a similar level.
Commenting specifically on the 737 MAX part of the order, Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG said, “It is a good strategic decision for the Lufthansa Group to order Boeing 737 aircraft again for the first time since 1995. Around 60 years ago, Lufthansa was co-developer and launch customer of this globally successful model. With the new modern, quiet, economical and efficient 737-8 aircraft, we are making progress both in modernising our short- and medium-haul fleet and in achieving our carbon CO2 reduction targets."
Lufthansa launched the Boeing 737 in 1967, taking delivery of the first of 146 737s until its final delivery of a 737-300 in 1995. The airline retired its last 737 in 2016 as it started its group wide fleet modernisation programme.
