Indigo Partners, the backer of Wizz Air, Frontier, Volaris and JetSMART, has kicked off the Dubai Airshow with a bang by placing an order for 255 A321neo family aircraft.
It was the first major order announcement of the 2021 Dubai Airshow, which started on November 14, 2021.
The firm order is for a mix of A321neo and A321XLR aircraft, Airbus announced on November 14, 2021.
The aircraft are set to be divided amongst the private equity firm’s portfolio airlines as follows:
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Wizz Air: 102 aircraft (75 A321neo and 27 A321XLR)
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Frontier: 91 aircraft (A321neo)
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Volaris: 39 aircraft (A321neo)
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JetSMART: 23 aircraft (21 A321neo and 2 A321XLR
In addition, Volaris and JetSMART are switching 38 A320neo aircraft to the larger A321neo. In a separate statement, Wizz Air said it may acquire a further 19 A321neo under certain circumstances and could switch its A321neos for A320neos or A321XLRs. Wizz said it had also agreed a further 75 purchase rights for A321neo aircraft, to be converted into a firm order the end of 2022.
Bill Franke, managing partner of Indigo Partners, said the order underlines the airlines’ plan for growth over the next decade.
“The Airbus A321neo and A321XLR have industry-leading efficiency, low unit costs and a substantially reduced carbon footprint relative to prior models,” Franke commented. “With these aircraft, Wizz, Frontier, Volaris and JetSMART will continue to offer low fares, stimulate the markets they serve and improve their industry-leading sustainability profile.”
Airbus chief commercial officer Christian Scherer described the news as a “landmark order”.
“We are happy to further expand our relationship with our great Indigo Partners’ airlines Wizz, Frontier, Volaris and JetSMART who have acted fast and decisively over the last few months to position themselves for this landmark order as the effect of the pandemic recedes and the world wants more sustainable flying ,” Scherer commented.
Updated to add details from Wizz Air statement