Breaking: Jet2 Eyes The A321neo With Its First Ever Airbus Order

* Breaking article – last updated 12:14 UTC 31/08/2021 *

British low-cost and leisure operator Jet2 has made history by placing its first-ever Airbus order. The Leeds-based carrier is eyeing the European manufacturer’s A321neo model, and has initially ordered 36 examples of the type. This is an interesting break of tradition for the airline, which has typically preferred to operate designs from US manufacturer Boeing.

Jet2’s A321neos will seat 232 passengers. Image: Airbus

A ground-breaking order

Airbus has just announced that it has a new customer on its hands, in the form of Yorkshire’s very own Jet2. The airline, which has operating bases across the UK, has made an initial order for 36 examples of the Airbus A321neo. This aircraft is the largest model from the European manufacturer’s next-generation A320neo series.

This is the first time that Jet2 has ever ordered planes from Airbus. The move comes as the carrier looks to instigate a program that will both expand and renew its fleet. Philip Meeson, Jet2’s Executive Chairman, welcomed the order, stating:

“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 Jet2 holiday.”

Jet2, whose fleet largely consists of Boeing 737s, is yet to choose the engines for its A321neos. Photo: Getty Images

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Welcome onboard

As well as the A321neo’s aforementioned efficiency, another advantage that the type will offer to Jet2 is its increased capacity. Indeed, the Leeds-based leisure operator plans to fit its 36 incoming brand-new A321neos with an impressive 232 seats.

These passengers will enjoy aspects such as innovative lighting as part of Airbus’s ‘Airspace’ cabin environment. Furthermore, they will also have larger overhead bins at their disposal, which offer 60% more space. Airbus’s Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer states:

“Traditionally having been operating non-fly-by-wire aircraft, we note with great satisfaction that, after having tested a couple of leased A321s and run a comprehensive evaluation, Jet2 is forward-looking and investing in modern and future proof Airbus fly-by-wire technology.”

While Jet2 has leased Airbus planes before, this is the first instance of it placing an order to buy them brand-new. Photo: Tony Hisgett via Flickr

 

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