Airline To Get A319s Starting In 2009

Spirit Airlines has finalized a deal inked in late 2006 for 30 A319s, bringing its total Airbus order to 44 (37 A319s and seven A321s). Deliveries of the newly ordered aircraft are slated to begin in October 2009 and run through mid-2013.

Combining Spirit’s existing all-Airbus fleet with current orders, the airline’s fleet will grow to 70 aircraft. Spirit has selected International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500 to power the new jets.

Additionally, Spirit will purchase eleven spare engines from IAE to support its existing and newly ordered Airbus fleet.

"Spirit's new business model and low cost structure are anchored by the efficiency of the Airbus single-aisle aircraft and the V2500 powerplant," said Ben Baldanza, President and CEO of Spirit Airlines. "When coupled with high productivity in all parts of our operation, these new airplanes affirm Spirit's position as the leading low cost carrier to the Caribbean and Latin America as well as provide the basis for a sound and rational growth plan into the next decade."

"Spirit joined the ranks of leading U.S. customers for Airbus less than three years ago, and for the airline to come back this soon with an order of this magnitude shows that Airbus aircraft are working well for Spirit," said John Leahy, Airbus COO Customers. "The A320 Family remains a cornerstone of Airbus’ global success and we are proud that new customers like Spirit have become repeat customers."

IAE President & CEO Jon Beatty said: "Spirit Airlines has focused on high efficiency and productivity in all parts of its operation, and we are delighted that the in-service performance of the V2500 and the support provided by the team at IAE has ensured we can continue to play a significant part in their expansion plans."

FMI: www.spiritair.com, www.v2500.com, www.airbus.com