Orders boost for Airbus as two carriers add to their extensive fleets

Aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, has received a significant orders boost from two airlines, totaling almost 200 planes.

Budget carrier, easyJet, has confirmed a firm order for 157 additional A320neo (new engine option) family aircraft, while German airline, Lufthansa, has placed a firm order for an extra 40 A220-300s for its short and medium-haul fleet.

Airbus employs 5,000 staff at its Broughton plant, near Chester, making wings for all its commercial aircraft, and around 3,000 staff at its Bristol plant in Filton.

The easyJet order follows shareholder approval and comprises 56 A320neo and 101 A321neo aircraft and also includes the upsizing of an existing order for 35 A320neo into the larger A321neo.

The agreement is part of easyJet’s fleet renewal and upgauging plan and is also bringing substantial sustainability improvements to its business.

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said: “We are very pleased to be able to confirm this significant order which not only enables easyJet to replace its older aircraft with more efficient aircraft, a core component of our net zero roadmap, but also provides us ability for disciplined growth, including the significant opportunity that upgauging brings.

“With this order easyJet will be able to continue to cement its leading position at Europe’s primary airports and so we look forward to working in partnership with Airbus in the years to come.”

Christian Scherer, chief commercial officer and head of International at Airbus, welcomed the opportunity to accompany easyJet in its fleet growth and renewal, saying: “Its Airbus fleet allows easyJet to differentiate its offering in its competitive market with the most state-of-the-art, modern and comfortable aircraft.”

The A320neo family is the world’s most popular single aisle having won more than 18,000 orders from nearly 140 customers in all markets.

To date, more than 5,600 A321neos have been ordered by more than 100 customers across the globe.

The A220 has been in service with Lufthansa since 2016, when SWISS put the first aircraft into scheduled service.

Lufthansa A220-300

Carsten Spohr, chairman of the executive board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said: “With today’s order for 40 additional Airbus A220s, we are continuing our unique partnership with Airbus.

“Just a few months ago, as the largest airline customer, we received our 600th aircraft from Airbus, and we look forward to taking delivery of number 700. Our customers are looking forward to these additional modern, economical, and fuel-efficient aircraft.”

Christian Scherer said: “The Lufthansa Group was one of the first customers for the A220 and has successfully operated the aircraft in its SWISS route network ever since.

“As the only clean sheet design aircraft and specifically designed for the 100-150 seat market the A220 is the most efficient solution in its category to support Lufthansa Group meeting its exciting airline development and sustainability objectives.”

With its latest order Lufthansa reinforces its long standing relationship with Airbus. Since the A300 in the 1970’s, Lufthansa Group has operated all members of the Airbus product family, from the A220, A320-family, A330/A340, A350 and the A380.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). All Airbus commercial, military aircraft and helicopters will be capable of being operated with up to 100% SAF by 2030.

By the end of November, Airbus won 849 orders from 31 customers for the A220, of which 303 have been delivered. The A220 is already in successful service with 18 airlines worldwide on 1,350+ routes.