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Wizz Air today signalled ambitious growth plans by placing an order for 110 new aircraft worth $12.5 billion.
The central and eastern European budget carrier expected to start receiving the next generation Airbus A321neos from 2019.
A memorandum of understanding signed with the European manufacturer also provides for uncommitted purchase rights for an additional 90 aircraft.
The A321neos will replace current aircraft as well as provide additional capacity for further growth.
The deal allows Wizz Air to substitute a number of the A321neo aircraft with the A320neo, depending on its future requirements.
The agreement will also see Wizz Air cancel 10 A320 on order that were due for delivery in 2018.
The airline’s chief executive, József Váradi, said: “We looked at different options for this order but Airbus came in with the best overall mix of aircraft, cost efficiency, support and price, so it made sense for us to continue our long relationship with them as we continue to expand our market reach across and beyond Europe.
“Our operations will continue to see significantly lower costs with these new aircraft achieved through cabin innovations, the latest engine technology, and efficiency improvements.
“As the company has recently highlighted, we have an exciting and compelling growth opportunity in central and eastern Europe where GDP growth rates significantly exceed that of more mature western European markets, and the propensity for air travel is growing.
“Our order for 110 A321neo aircraft will provide the platform to sustain our disciplined expansion over the longer term, enable us to continue to offer low fares to customers across central and eastern Europe and beyond and drive strong growth well into the next decade.”
He added: “Once finalised, our order will include the new A321neo Airbus Cabin Flex configuration with 239 seats in 18-inch comfort standard.
“This neo (new engine option) family offers significantly lower operating costs and fuel burn reductions that will directly impact our cost base.”
Wizz Air has taken delivery of 61 A320s from an existing order total of 112 that includes 27 high density A321s that will begin delivery in November.
Deliveries of the remaining 41 aircraft, which remain on order following the cancellation of 10 aircraft, will continue through to mid-2018.