Airbus Receives Commitment From JetBlue for 40 A320neos

JetBlue Airways Corp. and Airbus SAS signed a memorandum of understanding for the airline to buy 40 Airbus A320neo aircraft.

The airline has not yet announced its engine selection for the new-engine-option aircraft.

In addition, JetBlue will convert 30 of its current orders for A320 aircraft to the larger A321 model with enhanced wingtip devices called "sharklets," according to Toulouse, France-based Airbus.

New York City-based JetBlue has made the A320 family the core of its fleet since the airline was launched in 1999. Not including this latest announcement, the airline has order 173 A320s over the years.

JetBlue Airways announced its intent to buy 40 Airbus A320neo aircraft.

"JetBlue's very first flight was operated by an A320, and with today's news, we are further planning our future fleet with Airbus, our longest-standing business partner," said Dave Barger, president and CEO of JetBlue Airways. "This fleet announcement is driven by our successful network strategy, and it also supports our financial goal of sustainable growth while respecting our energy and environmental responsibilities. And our crew members and customers love the Airbus."

Airbus launched the A320neo in late 2010. The new A319, A320 and A321 models feature a choice of two new engines -- the PurePower PW1100G from Pratt & Whitney or the LEAP-X from CFM International.

The combination of the new engines and the sharklets provides a 15% fuel-burn reduction, corresponding to an annual carbon dioxide reduction of 3,600 metric tons per aircraft, according to Airbus.

See Also:

• "Paris Air Show Opens With $20 Billion in Deals"
  
  
• For a photo gallery from the Paris Air Show, visit IndustryWeek's Facebook page.