Holiday airline Jet2 has boosted its links with Airbus with a $2bn deal for 15 aircraft from the manufacturer.
In August the Leeds airline operator placed its first order with the plane maker, for 36 A321neos, a deal that demonstrated its ambition for growth and fleet expansion.
Now the company has announced to shareholders a second deal – an agreement with Airbus to purchase a further 15 Airbus A321neo aircraft.
The order also has the flexibility to extend up to 60 aircraft, taking the overall deal value to around $10bn, although Jet2 said it has been given discounted prices.
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Wings for the planes will be made at Airbus Broughton in North Wales.
In a short announcement Jet2 said: “These additional 15 aircraft will be delivered between 2026 and 2029 and the terms of the agreement are substantially the same as those approved by the Board for the initial 36 firm aircraft orders.
“At current list prices these additional 15 aircraft represent a total value of approximately $2bn with a total transaction value, for up to 75 aircraft, of approximately $10.1billion, though the company has negotiated significant discounts from the list price.
“The company will retain flexibility in determining the most favourable method of financing the aircraft, which will be through a combination of internal resources and debt.”
Following the signing of the first deal in August, Christian Scherer, chief commercial officer and head of Airbus International, said: “We very much welcome Jet2.com’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.com is forward looking and investing in modern and future proof Airbus fly-by-wire technology. This is a testimony to Jet2.com’s vision of efficiency, quality, performance and environmentally friendly flying,”
The A320neo family of aircraft incorporates the latest technologies, including new generation engines, delivering a 20% reduction in fuel consumption per seat.
With an additional range of up to 500 nautical miles, Airbus said the A321neo will deliver Jet2.com with additional revenue potential.
