Spirit Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for 100 A320neo Family aircraft, with purchase options for an additional 50.
Although a complete breakdown hasn’t been detailed, Airbus and Spirit have confirmed a mixture of A319neo, A320neo and A321neo make up the order. Delivery is scheduled to take place from 2027.
Reuters suggests the list value of the order could be around the $11-12 billion mark depending on the breakdown, however a significant discount was likely applied as is the case in these large order scenarios.
“This new order represents another milestone for Spirit. The additional aircraft will be used to support Spirit’s growth as we add new destinations and expand our network across the U.S, Latin America, and the Caribbean. We look forward to working with our valued partners at Airbus to finalize our agreement.”
President and CEO of Spirit Airlines, Ted Christie.
This deal is a significant one for Airbus, not only because it reinstates the success of the A320neo Family, because it disregarded the recently applied U.S tariffs of 10 percent on European goods, over an aircraft subsidy and trade war.
Speaking to Reuters, a European source said the deal “proves tariffs don’t work”.
Spirit will take delivery of multiple A320neo Family aircraft from Airbus’ Mobile, Alabama production plant before the end of the year.
Within the United States, Spirit has one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets, with an average aircraft age of 5.6 years. Spirit currently operates 138 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. In 2020 and 2021, Spirit expects to take delivery of a further 48 A320neo aircraft.
Compared to previous generation aircraft, of the same category, the A320neo Family offers airlines with at least 20 percent reduced fuel burn. Additionally, passengers and public on the ground benefit from a 50 percent reduction in noise emissions.
Since launching in 2010, the A320neo Family has gained over 6,650 firm orders from nearly 110 customers around the world.