British budget airline EasyJet to buy 135 Airbus planes for $11.9 bn

British budget airline EasyJet today said that it will buy 135 Airbus single-aisle A320 passenger planes, including 100 new generation neo aircraft for $11.9 billion.

EasyJet will acquire 35 current generation A320 Aircraft to be delivered between 2015 and 2017 under its existing agreement and 100 A320neo aircraft for delivery from 2017 until 2022.

Issuing the statement during the Paris Air Show, EasyJet said that is has secured an option to buy an additional 100 A320neo planes.

EasyJet said that the new generation aircraft was sourced at highly attractive prices and at a greater percentage discount to list price than the company's existing Airbus contract.

The low-cost carrier said that 85 of 135 ordered aircraft will be used to replace ageing aircraft as they leave the fleet and return to lessors.

Carolyn McCall, CEO of EasyJet said, "All manufacturers competed hard for the easyJet business. Both Airbus and Boeing offered us new generation aircraft that met our requirements and offered greatly improved fuel efficiency.

"Ultimately, Airbus offered us the best deal, and at a price with a greater discount to the list price than their landmark fleet purchase with easyJet in 2002.''

John Barton, EasyJet chairman, commented,""The new fleet arrangements will enable easyJet to continue its successful strategy of offering customers low fares to convenient airports and efficient and friendly service."