Dubai Airshow: Airbus lights up Burj Khalifa with a spectacular display

Yesterday, the European manufacturer set the air show alight with a firm order for 255 Airbus A321neo family aircraft.

The buyer is Indigo partners, parent to low-cost carriers (LCCs) Wizz Air (Hungary), Frontier (US), Volaris (Mexico) and JetSMART (Chile, Argentina).

This order brings the total number of A320 family aircraft ordered by Indigo Partners’ airlines to 1,145.

Wizz will take 102 aircraft (75 A321neo and 27 A321XLR), Frontier 91 A321neo, Volaris 39 A321neo, and JetSMART 23 (21 A321neo and two A321XLR).

Additionally, Volaris and JetSMART will convert 38 A320neos to A321neos from their existing aircraft backlogs.

The huge order confirms two trends in the aviation market worldwide: the continued growth of low-cost carriers and the tendency to up-gauge to the largest models in a range.

“This order reaffirms our portfolio airlines’ commitment to consistent growth through the next decade,” said Bill Franke, managing partner of Indigo Partners.

The airlines “have acted fast and decisively over 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”, added Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer.