All-Airbus Low-Cost Carrier Is First To Order Eco Efficient A320neo In Mexico

November 16, 2011 — Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for 44 eco-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft, comprising of 30 A320neo and 14 A320 Family aircraft. The order makes Volaris the first airline to order the A320neo in Mexico. Engine selection will be announced by the airline at a later date.

Since starting operations in 2006, Volaris has become one of the top three airlines in Mexico having quickly expanded their network throughout the country and into the United States. The new 44 A320 Family aircraft are expected to help Volaris continue their expansion and renew their fleet. The airline currently operates 33 Airbus aircraft and has a backlog of 15 more.

“Fuel efficiency and reliability are critical to keeping Volaris among the top low-cost carriers in Mexico,” said Enrique Beltranena, CEO of Volaris. “These new A320s will allow us to maintain the youngest fleet in the country, while further improving our environmental performance.”

“We are very proud to see Volaris, an all Airbus operator, grow into one of the leading airlines of Mexico,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Volaris will now be among the first customers in Latin America to benefit from the A320neo’s increased capabilities, including a 15 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions.”

Over 8,100 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and nearly 5,000 delivered to some 340 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. The reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel – the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6, whilst also having a much smaller noise footprint.

Deal Formalizes Commitment Announced In June

October 27, 2011 — JetBlue Airways has finalized its firm order for 40 A320neo (new engine option) aircraft previously announced at the Paris Air Show in June. The airline has not yet announced its engine selection for the A320neo order. With this contract, JetBlue also converts 30 of its pre-existing orders for A320s to the larger A321 model with enhanced wingtip devices called Sharklets. In total JetBlue currently has on order 40 A320neo aircraft, 30 A321s and 22 A320s.

“We commenced operations with Airbus aircraft nearly 12 years ago, and have since used the A320 family as the backbone of our fleet, receiving great feedback from our customers and crewmembers,” said Mark Powers, Chief Financial Officer of JetBlue Airways. “Our business model is focused on a sustainable growth strategy with emphasis on cost control, while providing the most comfortable experience to our customers. We believe the A320neo fleet with help us meet these goals.”

“Environmental obligations and higher oil prices demand that our industry continues to optimize its equipment and operations, and the A320neo will allow JetBlue to do just that,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “This new order for the A320neo demonstrates that the leadership of the airline knows a good thing when they see it and knows it will benefit their business and their customers.”

The A320neo family is the fastest selling airliner ever, with more than 1200 orders and commitments since its launch in late 2010. The new A319, A320 and A321 models feature a choice of two new engines – the PurePower PW1100G from Pratt & Whitney or the LEAP-X from CFM International. The aircraft also feature large wingtip device known as Sharklets. Together this results in a 15 percent fuel burn reduction, corresponding to an annual carbon dioxide reduction of 3,600 metric tons per aircraft.

Firm Order For 78 A320neo & 32 A320s

October 6, 2011 — Qantas and Airbus have finalised a contract for 110 A320 Family aircraft, to help with the airline’s fleet renewal and expansion plans in the coming years. The firm order for 78 A320neo and 32 A320s is the largest single order in Australian aviation history by aircraft units and follows a commitment signed in August.

The new aircraft will be deployed across the Qantas Group on short to medium haul domestic and international operations and underpin the airline’s commitment to build a fleet with the most fuel efficient and reliable aircraft in the market.

“The Airbus A320 will be the launch aircraft for Qantas’ new, premium airline based in Asia and will support Jetstar’s expansion plans – including the establishment of Jetstar Japan,” said Alan Joyce, Qantas CEO. “The A320 Family’s outstanding operational efficiency and comfort, plus its environmental credentials, make it the right choice for the Qantas Group.”

“We are delighted that our A320neo and A320s are playing a vital role in Qantas’ future strategy,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Coming from one of the world’s great aviation pioneering companies, this order is a great endorsement of Airbus and of our eco-efficient aircraft products.”

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family to enter service in 2015. It incorporates latest generation engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel and CO2 emission savings.

A320 Family orders to date already exceed 7,900, reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. To date over 4,790 have been delivered to over 330 customers and operators worldwide. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality with the existing A320 models while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload. It is offered with engines from CFM International’s LEAP-X or Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1100G.

Qantas will make its engine decision at a later date.

Airbus has received 1,245 A320neo orders and commitments since its launch just ten months ago, in December 2010.