Allegiant Announces Purchase of Twelve New Airbus A320ceo Aircraft

"The fact that these planes are new is notable, but should not be seen as a change in our fundamental strategy," said Maury Gallagher, Allegiant chairman and chief executive officer. "We have always looked at building our fleet opportunistically, and this agreement is no exception. With Airbus preparing to transition production of its current engine option models to new engine option models, we were able to negotiate an order for twelve end-of-line slots."

Allegiant has selected the CFM engine type for the aircraft in this agreement. The aircraft are expected to enter service between 2017 and 2018. This transaction brings Allegiant a total of 77 Airbus aircraft either in service or committed for future delivery.

"This purchase agreement is an important step in transitioning to a single fleet type," said Jude Bricker, Allegiant chief operating officer. "Streamlining our fleet will increase efficiencies across our entire operation and bring economic advantages in fuel savings and a higher number of seats -- allowing us to continue offering the industry's most affordable fares, while increasing reliability."

By the end of 2016, the company's in service Airbus fleet will number 33, consisting of 16 A320s and 17 A319s. At the end of this year, Allegiant will have a total of 85 aircraft in revenue service.

"We love it when we hear the Allegiant team say that 'Airbus is our future,' because that demonstrates they are hitting their bottom-line goals while also satisfying their passengers, and they know it's because of the Airbus A320 family," said John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer -- customers. "When an airline grows its A320 fleet, it's making a sound investment in its financial future."