Republic finalizes order for 80 A-320neo Family aircraft

November 10, 2011 flight2000it

Republic Airways Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Denver-based Frontier Airlines, has confirmed a previously announced (at the “Paris Air Show” in June) Memorandum of Understanding for 60 A-320 New Engine Option (A-320neo) aircraft plus 20 A-319neo aircraft. Frontier currently operates a fleet of 59 A-320 Family aircraft.

Republic has selected CFM International’s LEAP-X engines for all 80 of their A-320neo and A-319neo aircraft. The aircraft will also feature large wingtip devices known as Sharklets. Together, the Sharklets and LEAP-X engines will result in a 15 percent fuel burn reduction, corresponding to an annual carbon dioxide reduction of 3,600 metric tons per aircraft.

The A-320neo is the latest of many product upgrades as Airbus continues to invest around 350 million US dollars a year in the A-320 Family to maintain its position as the most advanced and fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft family. These new A-319, A-320 and A-321 models were announced in December 2010 and feature new engines (the PurePower PW1100G from Pratt and Whitney or the LEAP-X from CFM) and Sharklets.

There are currently a total of 22 customers with 1,245 firm orders and commitments for the A-320neo Family. Over 8,100 aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,800 delivered to more than 340 customers and operators worldwide, according to a note issued by the industry.