Spirit Airlines
Computer rendering of A320neo by FIXON. Credit: dreamstime.com/ Airbus S.A.S.

Low cost carrier Spirit Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the purchase of up to 100 A320neo Family aircraft.

The orders comprise a mix of A319neo, A320neo, and A321neo, and are part of the company’s plans to meet its future fleet requirements.

Spirit Airlines president and CEO Ted Christie said: “This new order represents another milestone for Spirit.

“The additional aircraft will be used to support Spirit’s growth as we add new destinations and expand our network across the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean. We look forward to working with our valued partners at Airbus to finalise our agreement.”

Claimed to offer the widest single-aisle cabin in the industry, the A320neo fleet will reduce at least 20% fuel burn and noise by 50% compared with previous-generation aircraft.

The fleet will be equipped with advanced technologies, including new-generation engines and Sharklets.

Last month, the company had received more than 6,650 firm orders from nearly 110 customers globally for the A320neo aircraft.

Airbus chief commercial officer Christian Scherer said: “The Airbus A320 family has been a strong platform for the remarkable success of Spirit over the past several years.

“The ongoing, enthusiastic spirit the airline demonstrates in our A320neo Family is most rewarding and we look forward to playing a part in the Spirit team’s continued growth for many, many years to come.”

During this month, Spirit Airlines also introduced its nonstop service to Cancun from five new cities in the US. The new flights will begin operations in February and March next year.