UK leisure carrier Jet2 has expanded its order with Airbus for A321neos just a month after entering into an agreement to buy up to 60 examples.
The Leeds-based airline – which at the end of August announced a firm order for 36 new jets and options to extend up to 60 aircraft – has signed a further firm order for an additional 15 airframes.
The carrier’s firm commitment now stands at 51 airframes, while it retains options to expand up to 75 aircraft.
Based on list prices, this new agreement tacks on an additional $2bn to the price tag, taking the total bill – if options are fully exercised – to more than $10bn. However, the company stresses that it has negotiated “significant discounts” from the list price.
The deal comes as a further blow to Boeing who had reportedly also been in talks with the Leeds-based company alongside its European counterpart competing for a lucrative narrowbody order.
The airline currently holds a near all-Boeing fleet of 90 aircraft comprising 737 and 757 examples. A single A321, leased from Avolon, is also on the carrier’s books.
Speaking at the time of the first order, Christian Scherer, chief commercial officer and head of Airbus International, said: “We very much welcome Jet2’s decision. Traditionally having been operating non-fly-by-wire aircraft, we note with great satisfaction that after having tested a couple of leased A321s and run a comprehensive evaluation, Jet2 is forward-looking and investing in modern and future proof Airbus fly-by-wire technology. This is a testimony to Jet2’s vision of efficiency, quality, performance and environmentally friendly flying.”
The additional 15 aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2029.
