British leisure carrier Jet2.com has ordered 15 further Airbus A321neos, building on an initial order for 36 of the jets placed just over one month ago.
The order comes as Jet2, which specializes in vacations to beach destinations, is enjoying a surge in bookings for winter 2021 and summer 2022 after Britain relaxed travel restrictions.
The new order, announced on October 5, 2021, means Jet2 now has firm orders for 51 of the jets. The initial order announced on August 31, 2021, also contains options for a further 24 of the aircraft.
Jet2 said the additional 15 aircraft would be delivered by 2026 and 2029 and are being acquired on virtually the same terms as the initial order.
While the total potential order for up to 75 aircraft would be worth around $10 billion at list prices, Jet2 said it has negotiated “significant discounts”. Most airlines agree discounts on list prices for aircraft orders.
“The company will retain flexibility in determining the most favourable method of financing the aircraft, which will be through a combination of internal resources and debt,” it said in a statement to the London Stock Exchange.
The decision by Jet2 to order the Airbus for its fleet renewal is a significant change for the operator, whose fleet currently comprises Boeing 737s and 757s, although it does lease one A321 from Avolon.
Jet2’s A321neo will seat 232 passengers. It will choose the engines at a later date.