Airbus' attendance at the Dubai Airshow got off to a good start yesterday (November 14) when Indigo Partners – an American private equity firm with controlling interests in low-cost carriers Wizz Air, Frontier, Volaris and JetSMART – announced an order for 255 additional Airbus A321neo aircraft.
This deal brings the firm’s total commitment to 1,145 A320 Family aircraft. Yesterday’s deal comprised a mix of A321neos and A321XLRs.
The lion’s share of the jets is expected to be delivered to Hungary’s Wizz Air and Denver-based Frontier Airlines.
“This order reaffirms our portfolio airlines’ commitment to consistent growth through the next decade. The Airbus A321neo and A321XLR have industry-leading efficiency, low unit costs and a substantially reduced carbon footprint relative to prior models. With these aircraft, Wizz, Frontier, Volaris and JetSMART will continue to offer low fares, stimulate the markets they serve and improve their industry-leading sustainability profile,” said Bill Franke, managing partner of Indigo Partners.
Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer and head of Airbus International, added: “We are happy to further expand our relationship with our great Indigo Partners’ airlines Wizz, Frontier, Volaris and JetSMART who have acted fast and decisively over the last few months to position themselves for this landmark order as the effect of the pandemic recedes and the world wants more sustainable flying.”
Wizz Air is expected to receive 102 aircraft (75 A321neo and 27 A321XLR), while Frontier will accept 91 A321neos. Mexico’s Volaris is expected to accept 39 A321neos while Chile’s JetSMART will take 21 A321neos and two A321XLRs.
At the end of October, the A320neo Family had totalled more than 7,550 orders from 122 customers since its launch in 2010.
