European low-cost carrier easyJet took delivery of their 100th Airbus A319 aircraft on April 26th, 2007, following a handover ceremony in Hamburg between Andrew Harrison, easyJet Chief Executive and Louis Gallois, Airbus President and CEO.
The delivery marks easyJet’s rapid Airbus fleet expansion since the first aircraft was delivered less than four years ago in September 2003. Today easyJet operates one of the world’s youngest aircraft fleets and benefits from the latest technology in reduced fuel burn for an environmentally friendlier aircraft. The company has the world’s largest fleet of A319s. The aircraft are powered by the highly reliable CFM-56 engines from CFM-International.
“We have expanded rapidly in the last few years and we are doing this in the most environmentally-responsible way. Our fleet is made up of the cleanest and quietest aircraft available and with average age of 2.2 years which, combined with our high load factors and high seat densities, means we emit 27% less CO2 per passenger kilometre than a traditional airline. An easyJet passenger’s environmental footprint is less than that of the Toyota Prius”, said Andrew Harrison, easyJet Chief Executive.
“We are delighted that our partnership with easyJet is growing from strength to strength. The continuing success of easyJet proves that Airbus aircraft can be introduced succesfully into an already established fleet. The A320 Family has unbeatably low operating costs. It also has the widest fuselage in the single aisle market, which helps with quicker turnaround times, for increased productivity,” said Louis Gallois, Airbus CEO.
easyJet’s total orders so far are for 192 Airbus A319s and purchase rights for 123 more. In December 2002, easyJet signed a groundbreaking transaction for 240 A319 aircraft (120 firm and 120 purchase rights). In December 2005, easyJet exercised 20 of these rights. In November 2006, they exercised a further 52 rights and added a further 75.
The A320 is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family, which includes the A318, the A319, A320 and A321. Each aircraft feature fly-by-wire controls and unique cockpit commonality across the range.
With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 family have the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft in the same category. The latest models feature additional advanced aerodynamics helping reduce fuel burn even further. In addition, the latest new cabin design saves on weight and offers the passenger a quieter and roomier experience as well as significantly larger overhead stowage lockers.
Over 5000 Airbus A320 Family have been sold and over 3000 delivered to more than 180 customers and operators worldwide, making it the worlds best selling single aircraft family ever.
Airbus is an EADS company.
