Airbus grabs UK's Jet2.com with order for 36 A321neos

UK-based Boeing operator Jet2.com has defected to Airbus with an initial order of 36 A321neos and the flexibility to extend the order to 60 aircraft. The airline, which currently operates 82 Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft, said the order underscored a fleet renewal plan would help it meet the future anticipated growth of its leisure travel business. Headquartered in Leeds, the low-cost leisure airline offers scheduled and charter flights from the UK and is the nation’s third-biggest airline behind easyJet and British Airways. READ: AirAsia staff 100 percent vaccinated and ready to fly. It rebranded in 2020 from the Dart Group moniker it had used since the early sixties with the stated aim of being the UK’s “leading leisure travel business”. Jet2.com has yet to make an engine selection but said it would be flying with a 232-seat configuration featuring the Airspace cabin. The cabin features new lighting and seating products as well as 60 percent bigger overshared bins for added storage. “This aircraft is, in our opinion,  the most efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft in its class today – it will give our holiday customers a wonderfully comfortable and enjoyable experience as they travel with us for their well-deserved Jet2holiday,’’ Jet2.com executive chairman Philip Meeson said. Airbus chief commercial officer Christian Scherer said the UK operator had arrived at its decision after testing leased A321s and running a comprehensive evaluation. “Jet2.com is forward-looking and investing in modern and future-proof Airbus fly-by-wire technology,’’ he said. “This is a testimony to Jet2.com’s vision of efficiency, quality, performance and environmentally friendly flying.” the A320neo Family incorporates the technologies such as new generation engines and Sharklets to deliver a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption per seat. Airbus said the A321neo’s additional range of up to 500 nautical miles (900 km). or two tonnes of extra payload, would deliver Jet2.com additional revenue potential. At the end of July 2021, the A320neo Family had won over 7,400 firm orders from over 120 customers worldwide to 60 aircraft.