Jet2 plans to further refresh its fleet with a new order for 35 aircraft worth almost $4 billion.
The agreement with Airbus gives the UK’s second largest tour operating group the option to double the deal to 71 aircraft at a value of $8 billion.
The new order is designed to meet the “future anticipated growth” of the Jet2 leisure travel business and to refresh its existing aircraft fleet.
The company highlighted that it had negotiated “significant discounts” from the base price of the new generation A320neos.
The deal, in addition to A321neo orders announced last year, means Jet2 now has a total of 98 aircraft on firm order, which could eventually extend to up to as many as 146.
The latest agreement comes just over a year since Jet2 placed its first order for 36 A321neo in August 2021, followed by further commitments.
The A320neos will be configured for 180 seats with a cabin featuring innovative lighting, new seating and 60% larger overhead baggage bins for added personal storage, according to Airbus.
Jet2 said it will retain flexibility “in determining the most favourable method of financing the aircraft, which will be through a combination of internal resources and debt”.
Executive chairman Philip Meeson said: “We are delighted to build on our existing relationship with Airbus and to have placed this additional aircraft order which provides the company with certainty of supply well into the next decade.
“The order reflects our confidence that we have a much-loved product built on sector leading customer service which we can continue to grow and these aircraft will ensure our customers have a wonderfully comfortable and enjoyable experience as they travel with us.”