Indigo Partners boosts single-aisle aircraft recovery with order for 255 A21neo family jets

November 15th 2021

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U.S.-based Indigo Partners boss, Bill Franke, has underscored his faith in the airline industry's growth with a multi-billion dollar order for 255 additional A2321neo family aircraft across the company's portfolio of airlines. Read More » In the opening salvo of the Dubai Airshow, the group confirmed orders for 75 A321neos and 27 A21XLRs (extra-long range) destined for Hungary's Wizz Air, 91 A321neos to U.S. carrier, Frontier Airlines, 39 A321neos for Mexico's Volaris and 21 A321neos and two A321XLRs for South America's JetSMART. In addition, Volaris and JetSMART will upgrade their 38 A320neo orders from their existing backlog to A321neos. “This order reaffirms the commitment of our portfolio of airlines to consistent growth through the next decade,” said Franke, the managing partner of the Phoenix Arizona-based private equity fund focused on global air transportation investments. "The Airbus A321neo and A321XLR have industry leading efficiency, low unit costs and a substantially reduced carbon footprint relative to prior models. "With these aircraft, Wizz, Frontier, Volaris and JetSMART will continue to offer low fares, stimulate the markets they serve and improve their industry leading sustainability profile." Airbus chief commercial officer, Christian Scherer, said Indigo Partners had "acted fast and decisively in the last few months to position themselves for this landmark order as the effect of the pandemic recedes and the world wants more sustainable flying." The A321neo offers 25% fuel and CO₂ savings compared with older aircraft and 50% noise reduction. The A321XLR version provides an additional range extension, to 4,700nm, to facilitate flying times of up to 11 hours. At October 31, [2021], the A320neo family had received more than 7,550 orders from 122 customers since its launch in 2010. Following the type’s entry-into-service five years ago, Airbus has delivered 1,950 A320neo plus family aircraft that it estimates has contributed to 10 million tons of CO₂ savings.