EasyJet firms up order for 17 A320neos

Airbus has struck a with easyJet firming up orders for 17 A320neo aircraft worth around £1.5bn.

The latest deal takes the budget airlines combined order for the A320neo to 147  which includes 30 A321neo and means easyJet has ordered 468 A320 Family aircraft to date.

“This repeat order cements easyJet’s position as the largest European operator of our leading A320 family,” says Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “We are delighted that our aircraft keep contributing to easyJet’s ongoing success.”

easyJet, which currently operates a fleet of 316 A320 Family including 17 A320neo and three A321neo, is also formally converting purchase rights for 25 A320neos into options – a switch which provides security on delivery slots in 2024.

EasyJet says the changes extend its fleet plans to 2023 while providing “more flexibility” in its capacity schedule.

The airline points out that Airbus has “limited availability” in its backlog, and that delivery slots – even those six years out – are “valuable”according to Flight Global..