UAE-based low-cost airline Air Arabia has confirmed options to purchase five more Airbus A320 aircraft with a book value of $485m.

The deal is a part of a previously placed firm order for 44 Airbus jets, with delivery scheduled to be complete by next year.

Once delivered, the five new aircraft will join Air Arabia’s existing fleet of 46 Airbus A320 family jets, which are currently serving more than 120 routes from five operational hubs across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

“Our customers can expect the same cabin comfort and spacious seat configuration with the new five aircraft joining the fleet.”

Equipped with single-aisle configuration, Airbus A320 family includes A318, A319, A320 and A321 variants.

Air Arabia group CEO Adel Al Ali said: “Air Arabia’s fleet innovation sits at the heart of the airline operational efficiency.

“Today, we operate one of the youngest fleets in the world and this approach will continue to drive our fleet growth strategy for the future.

“Our customers can expect the same cabin comfort and spacious seat configuration with the new five aircraft joining the fleet.”

In January, the airline entered a deal with TRU Simulation + Training to manufacture an A320 FFS X Level D full motion flight simulator.

Produced at TRU Simulation + Training’s facility in Montreal, Canada, the new simulator would provide training for commercial pilots flying Airbus aircraft.