A320NEO

Citilink, the low-cost subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia, has agreed to buy 25 Airbus A320neo aircraft, as part of its efforts to meet increasing travel demand in Indonesia.

The deal follows a firm order by Garuda Indonesia in 2011 to purchase 15 A320ceo and ten A320neo aeroplanes for operation by Citilink.

"The A320neo has been designed to offer 15% fuel savings and a double digit reduction in NOx emissions."

At present, Citilink operates a fleet of 12 leased A320s on its domestic network.

Citilink chief executive officer Arif Wibowo said that the A320 has played a key role in the recent success of Citilink.

"The low operating costs, fast turnaround times and strong passenger appeal of the A320 make it perfect for our operation and we are looking forward to the even greater efficiencies that will come with the NEO," Wibowo said.

Airbus COO Customers John Leahy added: "The order underscores the A320 family’s position as the preferred choice for full-service and low-cost carriers worldwide, both with the current and new engine options."

Featuring large Sharklet wing-tip devices, the A320neo is scheduled to enter service in late 2015 and will accommodate up to 180 passengers.

A320neo will offer 15% fuel savings and a double digit reduction in NOx emissions, according to Airbus.

Airbus has received more than 1,600 firm orders for its A320neo jets since its inception in 2010.

To date, the European aircraft manufacturer has logged around 8,900 orders for the A320 airliners, with 5,300 having been delivered to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide.

Image: A320neo is scheduled to enter service in late 2015 and will accommodate up to 180 passengers. Photo: Airbus SAS / Fixion.