Aircraft manufacturer Airbus on Thursday announced that it has finalized a multi-billion contract with Australian airline Qantas for 110 A320 family aircraft. Many will support Jetstar Airways, a low-cost airline owned by Qantas.
Airbus rendering of a Jetstar A320neo. (Illustration by Fixion)
The deal is estimated to be worth around $9.5 billion, marking the largest single order in Australian aviation history by aircraft units with the firm order for 78 A320neo and 32 A320s. The deal is part of Qantas’ fleet renewal and expansion plans in the coming years and also follows a commitment signed in August.
The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family to enter service in 2015. According to Airbus, it incorporates the latest generation engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which has shown to deliver 15 percent in fuel and CO2 emission savings.
The new aircraft will be deployed across the Qantas Group on short to medium haul domestic and international operations and underpins, according to Airbus, the airline’s commitment to build a fleet with ‘the most fuel efficient and reliable aircraft’ in the market.
“The Airbus A320 will be the launch aircraft for Qantas’ new, premium airline based in Asia and will support Jetstar’s expansion plans – including the establishment of Jetstar Japan,” said Alan Joyce, Qantas CEO. “The A320 Family’s outstanding operational efficiency and comfort, plus its environmental credentials, make it the right choice for the Qantas Group.”
Airbus launched the A320neo ten months ago, in December 2010, and has already received 1,245 orders and commitments.
