Easyjet is introducing larger aircraft into its fleet with the conversion of an existing order of A320neo aircraft into A321neo. The larger A321neo will have a configuration of 235 seats in contrast with the A320neos’ 186 seats. The first delivery is expected in Summer 2018.
The increase in seats of around 30 percent over an A320 and 50 percent over an A319 is “…to continue to deliver growth in slot constrained airports” according to the airline.
Easyjet’s total fleet as at March 31, 2017 was 266 aircraft, split between 156-seat Airbus A319s, 180-seat A320s and since May 2016, 186-seat A320s. The 144 A319s are being progressively replaced by A320s, with the first A320neo delivering in June this year and, from summer 2018, A321neos.
In the six months to 31 March 2017, Easyjet took delivery of nine 186-seat A320 aircraft, which provide a per seat cost saving to the airline of seven to eight percent compared to the A319 through economies of scale, crew numbers, ownership, fuel and maintenance. Easyjet also increased the number of seats on 44 of its existing 180-seat A320s to 186 seats. The average age of the fleet is seven years.
Carolyn McCall, Easyjet’s CEO said:
“These new aircraft will help us deliver our strategy of securing and growing our number one positions at Europe’s leading airports, which are generally slot constrained, while reducing our cost per seat.This means we will be able to offer low fares to more people on Europe’s most popular business and leisure routes. As importantly, the A321neos will also help us to mitigate our environmental impact by reducing our passengers’ carbon footprint as well as our impact on the communities around the airports we serve.”
Easyjet’s total fleet as at 31 March 2017
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