European manufacturer Airbus has secured an order from airline group Air France–KLM to deliver 60 Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

To be operated by Air France, the new order is a part of the carrier’s plan to modernise its single-aisle fleet.

Specifically designed for the 100-150 seat market, the single-aisle A220 aircraft offers wide-body experience.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines, the A220 offers fuel efficiency with at least 20% lower fuel consumption per seat when compared with previous-generation aircraft of its standard.

Airbus chief commercial officer Christian Scherer said: “We are glad to see that Air France is endorsing the A220 as a great step towards fleet optimisation for large network carriers. The largest Airbus A220 order from a European carrier to date speaks volumes on Air France’s ambitious sustainability drive.

“The modern and fuel-efficient Airbus A220 will contribute to lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions significantly compared to older generation aircraft.

“We thank Air France for the confidence placed in Airbus and for its investment in our latest technology aircraft.”

As of the end of November, Airbus recorded an order of 530 A220 aircraft and the manufacturer expects more than 7,000 aircraft operating over the next two decades.

Earlier this month, Air France and Air France-KLM boards of directors, as part of their fleet rationalisation and simplification strategy, decided to replace Air France’s ageing Airbus A380s and order ten Airbus A350-900s.

The company operates 159 Airbus aircraft.