Spirit Airlines to grow fleet with largest Airbus single-aisle model
U.S. low-cost carrier signs firm order for 20 A321ceo aircraft
1st North American carrier to feature Space-Flex cabin option, room for more seats
20 JUNE 2013 PRESS RELEASE
Spirit Airlines has placed a firm order for 20 Airbus A321 aircraft and additionally has opted to convert 10 of its existing A320 orders to the larger A321. All of these aircraft are current engine option (ceo) models. Spirit’s A321ceos will accommodate increasing passenger numbers in the airline’s network in the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America. All of the A321ceo aircraft will be fitted with fuel-saving Sharklets and will seat 219 passengers in a single-class layout.
The announcement was made today during the Paris Air Show.
“Spirit’s priority has always been to save its passengers money, while transporting them as comfortably as possible,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “That is exactly what the A320 Family allows the airline to achieve. These are eco-efficient machines with wonderful comfort.”
“We are pleased to expand our partnership with Airbus and excited about the growth opportunities and additional cities we will be able to liberate from high fares with the addition of these aircraft,” said Ben Baldanza, Chief Executive Officer of Spirit Airlines.
The new Spirit A321s will also be the first North America-based aircraft to feature the Space-Flex cabin option. This rear lavatory and galley combination optimizes use of the available space at the very back of the aircraft. The configuration also allows for the first lavatory in the single-aisle market to be accessible to people with reduced mobility.
With this order announced today, Spirit’s firm orders total: 7 A319s, 98 A320s (including 45 A320 new engine option aircraft) and 30 A321s. The airline currently operates a fleet of some 50 A320 Family aircraft.
The A320 Family is the world’s most successful aircraft with over 9,500 ordered and over 5,600 delivered to more than 380 customers and operators.
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