JetBlue, the new JFK-based, low-fare carrier has signed a contract with Airbus Industrie valued in excess of $3.6 billion for the purchase of up to 75 new aircraft in the A320 family of jetliners. The carrier has also made arrangements to lease separately seven additional new aircraft in the Airbus A320 family. Together, JetBlue`s total fleet order is valued at approximately $4 billion. The contract with Airbus covers 25 firm orders, options for 25 aircraft, and purchase rights for an additional 25 jets. The firm order aircraft will be delivered from June 2000.

JetBlue`s Chief Executive Officer David Neeleman said: “The Airbus order represents our first step in delivering to New Yorkers a new style of travel. The A320 aircraft allows us to offer wider seats, more legroom, and more overhead storage space than any other aircraft in its class. What`s more, they`re some of the world`s quietest, most emission-friendly passenger jets”.

“JetBlue wants to become New York`s low-fare, hometown airline”, Mr. Neeleman added, “delivering a superior product at a very affordable price up to 70% less than current fares on some routes.”

JetBlue`s A320s will seat 162 passengers in a single coach class. The remainder of the A320 family includes the smaller A319 and larger A321 aircraft. All three aircraft can be flown by pilots with the same type rating and maintained by the same mechanics, offering valuable savings in training and maintenance costs.

Noel Forgeard, Airbus Industrie`s Chief Executive Officer said: `It`s always exciting to welcome a new customer, but when that new customer turns to us for its inaugural service, it demonstrates an extra vote of confidence for Airbus Industrie, our product and our support service. We look forward to carrying JetBlue`s very first passengers into the next century.

——-