Airlines

EasyJet looks to convert some A319 orders to A320s

By Victoria Moores

UK budget carrier EasyJet is to accelerate its Boeing 737 phase-out and open negotiations with Airbus over converting some of its A319 orders to the larger A320 variant.

London Luton-headquartered EasyJet, which today posted a £57.5 million ($113.4 million) pre-tax interim loss, is making the changes to drive down its aircraft ownership costs and counter spiralling fuel prices.

It says: “The decision has been taken to accelerate the phasing out of the higher cost Boeing 737 fleet and the rationalisation of the expensive GB Airways sub-fleet.”

EasyJet’s fleet includes 30 737-700s on operating lease, but its 112 Airbus A319s form the backbone of its operation. GB Airways’ former fleet comprises nine Airbus A320s and six A321s, giving EasyJet experience of the larger Airbus variants.

The airline has 115 A319s on firm order and options on a further 88. It says: “The decision has also been taken in principle to discuss with Airbus the conversion of some of the Airbus A319 orders to those for A320 aircraft.”

It adds that the 88 options, which are valid until 2015, may be taken as any A320 family aircraft.

Source: flightglobal.com's sister premium news site Air Transport Intelligence news