Aegean Airlines, the biggest airline in Greece, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus to purchase 30 A320neo family aircraft.
The deal comprises of 20 A320neos and ten A321neos.
The airline will also acquire a significant number of new A320neo family aircraft from leasing companies.
Aegean currently operated a fleet of 46 Airbus aircraft (37 A320s, eight A321s and one A319).
Eftichios Vassilakis, vice chairman of Aegean Airlines, stated: “Aegean’s decision to select the latest generation Airbus A320neo family follows an intense and exhaustive evaluation to determine the best aircraft for Aegean’s growth and long-term success.
“These aircraft will be key for us to pursue our mission of providing services of high standards for our passengers on short and medium haul services.”
The A320neo family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 15 per cent fuel savings at delivery and 20 per cent by 2020.
With some 6,000 orders received from nearly 100 customers, the A320neo family has captured some 60 per cent share of the market.
“We are delighted that Aegean, an all Airbus customer, has chosen the bestselling single aisle family, becoming a new operator of the type.
“The commonality these aircraft offer along with lowest operating costs, longest range and a more spacious cabin make the A320neo Family the best choice for growing airlines such as Aegean,” said Eric Schulz, Airbus chief commercial officer.
The A321 is the largest member of the A320 Family and seats between 185 and 240 passengers, depending on cabin configuration.