Airbus and JetBlue finalise order for 60 A220-300 aircraft

Airbus has finalised an order with JetBlue Airways for the sale and purchase of 60 A220-300 aircraft, the larger version of the company’s A220 series.

Last July, JetBlue and Airbus signed a $5.4bn memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the aircraft.

Airbus’ A220 family of aircraft is designed to cater to the 100-150 seat market. Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s new PW1500G geared turbofan engines, the aircraft family is expected to consume 20% less fuel per seat compared to previous generation aircraft.

JetBlue currently operates a mixed fleet of 193 A320 and A321ceo aircraft from Airbus and has an additional 85 A321neo aircraft on order.

JetBlue Airways CEO Robin Hayes said: “As we approach our 20th anniversary, the impressive range and economics of the highly efficient A220, combined with the outstanding performance of our existing fleet of Airbus A321 and restyled A320 aircraft, will help ensure we deliver the best onboard experience to customers and meet our long-term financial targets as we continue disciplined growth into the future.”

The airline’s new A220-300 jets will be manufactured at Airbus’ upcoming assembly facility in Mobile, Alabama, US.

Construction of the facility is scheduled to begin later this month near Airbus’ existing A320 assembly facility in Mobile.

In a separate development, US-based start-up airline code-named Moxy has placed an order with Airbus for 60 A220-300 aircraft.

The new low-cost airline venture is led by JetBlue founder David Neeleman.

Production of the A220-300 aircraft for Moxy will be carried out at Airbus’ new US-based assembly facility in Mobile.