New York-based JetBlue Airways, continuing on its path of route expansion, has signed a firm order for the purchase of seven additional Airbus Industrie A320s, exercising options on a contract announced with the aircraft manufacturer in April 1999.

At that time, the low-fare airline firm-ordered 25 A320 aircraft, plus a further 25 options and 25 purchase rights on A320 Family aircraft, valued at $4 billion. Including commitments for an additional eight leased A320s, JetBlue has now confirmed commitments for 40 aircraft.

All JetBlue A320 aircraft will be powered by V2500 engines, supplied by IAE International Aero Engines, in a separate contract valued at up to $900 million.

JetBlue took delivery of its first Airbus A320 in December 1999, and currently has three A320 aircraft in service, with another seven scheduled for delivery by the end of 2000.

“Since our very first flight, our passengers have praised our service, our fares, and especially our choice of aircraft,” said David Neeleman, JetBlue’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our philosophy is to combine superior customer service with the latest technology and design to provide a better travel experience at an affordable price. Our decision to purchase Airbus and IAE stems from that same philosophy.”

JetBlue currently serves Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa and Buffalo from New York’s JFK. On June 21, the airline will inaugurate service to Orlando. The airline’s fleet of new Airbus A320s seat 162 passengers, with roomy all-leather seating and spacious overhead bins. JetBlue expects to serve 10 cities by the end of the year with 10 new aircraft.

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