Low-cost airline easyJet has agreed to buy 135 new planes from European manufacturer Airbus in a deal worth approximately £10 billion.
The deal will see easyJet take 35 current-generation A320 aircraft and 100 new-generation A320neo jets, with options for a further 100.
The deal is a blow to American rival Boeing, which had also been pitching for the deal in the build up to the Paris Air Show this week.
easyJet said 85 of 135 ordered aircraft will be used to replace ageing aircraft as they leave the fleet and return to lessors, with the remaining aircraft used to continue easyJet’s existing strategy of capacity seat growth of between three to five per cent per annum.
Carolyn McCall, easyJet chief executive, commented: “All manufacturers competed hard for the easyJet business. Both Airbus and Boeing offered us new generation aircraft that met our requirements and offered greatly improved fuel efficiency.
“Ultimately, Airbus offered us the best deal, and at a price with a greater discount to the list price than their landmark fleet purchase with easyJet in 2002.
“These arrangements combined with easyJet’s cost advantage, leading network and compelling customer proposition mean that easyJet is uniquely positioned to be a structural winner in European aviation.
“This is a great outcome for easyJet, our shareholders and our passengers, and will ensure that easyJet is able to continue its successful strategy of delivering profitable growth and returns to shareholders.”
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