Jet2 has signed a multibillion-dollar deal to buy 36 new Airbus A321 neo aircraft.
The airline said the deal means it can “meet the future anticipated growth of its leisure travel business and to refresh its existing aircraft fleet”.
It has also agreed flexibility to extend the order up to 60 aircraft.
The first tranche of 36 aircraft will be delivered over a five-year period until 2028, and, at current list prices, represent a total value of approximately $4.9 billion. The total transaction value for up to 60 aircraft is about $8.1 billion.
However, the airline said it has negotiated “significant discounts” from the list price.
Last month, the company was reported to be in “advanced talks” to buy dozens of aircraft from Airbus in a “potential blow” to current supplier Boeing.
A report by Reuters said it would be an “unusual decision” by a leisure carrier to switch suppliers and that Jet2 could receive “airline industry discounts of at least 50%”.
More: Jet2 ‘in advanced talks on major Airbus order’
Philip Meeson, Jet2 executive chairman, said: “We are delighted to have placed this order with Airbus and are proud to operate this aircraft which has more seats, provides additional operating benefits through lower fuel consumption and is, in our opinion, the most efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft in its class today.
“It will ensure our customers have a wonderfully comfortable and enjoyable experience as they travel with us for their well-deserved holidays and can enjoy real package holidays from Jet2holidays or scheduled holiday flights with Jet2.com that are increasingly more environmentally sustainable for many years to come.”
The airline said it will finance the purchases through a combination of internal resources and debt.