EasyJet to buy Airbus planes worth $12 billion

LONDON - Agence France-Presse

Aircarrier easyJet will buy 135 Airbus A320 planes for $11.9 billion. AP Photo

British no-frills airline easyJet yesterday announced a deal to purchase 135 Airbus single-aisle A320 passenger planes, including 100 new generation neo aircraft for $11.9 billion (8.9 billion euros), after agreeing sizeable discounts.

EasyJet, issuing a statement amid the Paris Air Show where European aircraft maker Airbus is battling for orders with US rival Boeing, said that is has secured an option to buy an additional 100 A320neo planes.

Rough rivalry

“I am delighted that easyJet is able to announce its fleet plans today,” said the airline’s chief executive Carolyn McCall.

“All manufacturers competed hard for the easyJet business. Both Airbus and Boeing offered us new generation aircraft that met our requirements and offered greatly improved fuel efficiency.

“Ultimately, Airbus offered us the best deal, and at a price with a greater discount to the list price than their landmark fleet purchase with easyJet in 2002,” she added.