In a boost for 4,000 Airbus workers at the company’s wing-making plant in Deeside, low cost airline Jet2.com has placed a £1.2bn order for new passenger aircraft. Tony McDonough reports
Planemaker Airbus has secured an order for 36 aircraft from UK low cost airline Jet2.com in a deal worth around £1.2bn based on list prices.
And the agreement for the A321neos includes an option to take the total aircraft purchased up to to 60. The deal is positive news for workers at the giant Airbus wing-making plant near Chester. It has seen its workforce slashed by a third to 4,000.
The order is the first time Lead-based Jet2 has purchased aircraft from the European planemaker. Airbus has been forced to slash headcount over the past 12 months following a slump in orders in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.”
The A320neo Family incorporates new generation engines and Sharklets, delivering a 20% reduction in fuel consumption per seat. With an additional range of up to 500 nautical miles/900 km. or two tonnes of extra payload, the A321neo will deliver Jet2 with additional revenue potential.
Philip Meeson, Jet2 executive chairman, added: “This aircraft is, in our opinion, the most efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft in its class today. It will give our holiday customers a wonderfully comfortable and enjoyable experience as they travel with us for their well deserved holiday.”
The aircraft will be configured for 232 seats with an airspace cabin featuring innovative lighting, new seating products and 60% larger overhead baggage bins for added personal storage.
At the end of July 2021, the A320neo Family had won more than 7,400 firm orders from over 120 customers worldwide.