British airline Easyjet announced Thursday a proposed agreement for the purchase of 157 Airbus aircraft and the conversion of 35 others, a transaction that represents nearly $20 billion in total at list price, according to a press release.
Easyjet describes a “conditional” compromise with Airbus to “secure delivery” of 56 A320neo and 101 A321neo between the shifted financial years 2029 and 2034. At the January 2018 list price, and including the conversion of 35 A320neo to A321neo, this represents “ approximately $19.9 billion,” excluding rebates, the company specifies. The agreement includes an option to purchase 100 additional aircraft. These purchases will “enable Easyjet to modernize its fleet and grow beyond 2028 while generating substantial benefits in terms of cost savings and sustainability,” commented Managing Director Johan Lundgren, quoted in the press release.
Also read: Easyjet expects “record” profits this summer but fears impact of strikes
On the results side, he describes “a record summer with strong demand for Easyjet flights and stays”. The group will publish its results at the end of November for the delayed 2022/2023 financial year but forecasts a pre-tax profit of between 440 and 460 million pounds. The group’s turnover is for its part projected at around 3.12 billion pounds for the entire financial year. The group is also optimistic for the start of its new financial year with “yields increasing over one year” and transport capacity for the first quarter expected to increase by 15%.