Is The Tide Turning For Airbus?

It's happened before... after being all-but-locked out of the 2006 sales race to archrival Boeing, Airbus seems to be slowly gaining back ground. Tuesday, UK-based low-cost carrier EasyJet signed a firm contract with Airbus for an additional 52 Airbus A319s, taking their total orders for the type to 192.

The order propels EasyJet to one of Airbus' biggest customers worldwide. In addition, EasyJet has also taken an option on another 75 A319s.

"We are committed to only operating the newest and most fuel-efficient aircraft available. The average age of our existing 122 aircraft is only 2.2 years, and we believe that this and the fundamental benefits of our business model makes us one of the world's most environmentally-efficient airlines", says Andrew Harrison, EasyJet Chief Executive.

As with the rest of EasyJet's A319 fleet, the new aircraft will seat 156 passengers in an all-economy layout.

"It's always satisfying when important airlines reaffirm their trust in our products to deliver operational goals. The A320 aircraft Family has been firmly established as an industry leader for some time, and in no small thanks to companies like EasyJet", said Airbus COO Customers John Leahy,. "Let's not forget why the A320 is such a good aircraft. It offers unbeatable performance, passenger comfort, fuel efficiency and operational economics", he added.

EasyJet signed a groundbreaking transaction for 240 aircraft in December 2002. This comprised a firm contract for 120 A319s, and options for 120 more. In December 2005, EasyJet exercised 20 of these rights. With today's announcement of 52 firm orders and 75 options, EasyJet has a total of 192 firm commitments and 123 options.

In recent years, the Airbus A320 Family has become the leader among new operators around the world and with airlines based on low-fare models, consistently winning the most market share in both categories. Airbus A320 Family orders now stand at more than 4,730 aircraft, and have been ordered by, or are in service with, more than 200 customers and operators.

FMI: www.easyjet.com, www.airbus.com