easyJet announces that it has reached agreement with, Airbus, to exercise existing options over 35 Airbus A319 aircraft for delivery during 2011 and 2012. This will underpin easyJet’s long-term growth and ensure that we continue to operate one of the youngest fleets of any major airline in Europe consisting of 135 of the cleanest, quietest aircraft available in their class. 

The A319 is one of the most environmentally-efficient aircraft available.  It is roughly 15% more efficient per seat than the older-generation 737-300 aircraft which it replaced.  The new aircraft coupled with easyJet’s efficient business model (higher seat densities and higher load factors), means that easyJet emits nearly 27% fewer emissions per passenger kilometre than a traditional airline flying similar routes.

The total size of easyJet’s order of Airbus aircraft (including options), first announced in October 2002, is 315.  To date, Airbus has delivered 105 A319 aircraft to easyJet.  Today’s announcement means that easyJet now has 120 aircraft on firm order with Airbus, with a list price of over $7 billion, and holds purchase rights over a further 88 aircraft.  These Aircraft are subject to substantial price concession from the list price. 

 

105 Airbus 319 have been delivered to easyJet since September 2003 meaning that the airline has taken an A319 into its fleet every 13 days.

 

Andy Harrison, easyJet Chief Executive, said:

 

“This major new aircraft order supports our continuing and by 2012 we expect to have 229 aircraft and expects to carry in the region of 65m passengers each year - making us one of Europe’s larges airlines.

 

Last week easyJet outlined its demands for the next generation of aircraft technology from 2015 and unveiled its ‘easyJet ecoJet’ design of concept.  In the intervening years, easyJet is proud to operate one of the youngest fleets of clean, quiet aircraft of any major airline in Europe.  Our combination of a modern fleet, with an average age of 2.3 years, and high utilisation means that we emit nearly 27% fewer emissions per passenger kilometre than traditional airlines flying similar routes.

 

Regulators and legislators should take note of today’s order for the some of the newest, cleanest, quietest aircraft.  Unlike road transport, there is very little understating of the differing environmental credentials of different airlines.  Politicians need to develop policies which incentivise consumers to choose those airlines operating the newest, cleanest aircraft and penalise those that do not. 

 

Our partnership with Airbus has underpinned our growth in the last few years and puts us in a fantastic position to continue to take advantage of the outstanding opportunities that Europe represents for us.”
——-