Allegiant to purchase 12 new Airbus A320ceos

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air has agreed to purchase 12 new Airbus A320ceo aircraft. According to a company statement, this first-time new aircraft purchase is another step toward Allegiant’s planned transition to an all Airbus fleet by 2019.

“The fact that these planes are new is notable, but should not be seen as a change in our fundamental strategy,” Allegiant chairman and CEO Maury Gallagher said. “We have always looked at building our fleet opportunistically, and this agreement is no exception. With Airbus preparing to transition production of its current engine option models to new engine option models, we were able to negotiate an order for 12 end-of-line slots.”

Allegiant has selected CFM56-5B engines for these aircraft, valued at $270 million at list prices, including spare engines, according to a statement by CFM International.

The aircraft are expected to enter service between 2017 and 2018. This transaction brings Allegiant a total of 77 Airbus aircraft either in service or committed for future delivery.

“This purchase agreement is an important step in transitioning to a single-fleet type,” Allegiant COO Jude Bricker said. “Streamlining our fleet will increase efficiencies across our entire operation and bring economic advantages in fuel savings and a higher number of seats—allowing us to continue offering the industry's most affordable fares, while increasing reliability.”

By the end of 2016, the company’s in-service Airbus fleet will number 33, consisting of 16 A320s and 17 A319s. At the end of this year, Allegiant will have a total of 85 aircraft in revenue service.

ATWOnline