The Economy

Airbus Receives Commitment From JetBlue for 40 A320neos

June 21, 2011

The deals continue on Day 2 of the Paris Air Show.

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.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.