Air New Zealand announces purchase of 13 A320neo aircraft in USD1.35bn fleet refresh

Air New Zealand announced (02-Jun-2014) a NZD1.6 billion (USD1.35 billion) refresh of its international narrowbody fleet with the purchase of 13 new Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft. The exact mix of A320neo and A321neo is yet to be confirmed, but the airline says it will purchase a minimum of three A321neo aircraft. The aircraft will replace Air New Zealand's current fleet of 13 A320s which operate the majority of the airline's trans-Tasman and Pacific Island services. The first A321neo is due in late 2017 with the remainder of the aircraft delivered at intervals through until 2019. Additional A320s for the domestic fleet will be delivered in early 2015. The purchase agreement includes undisclosed discounts, and the airline notes shareholder approval is not required as the value of the transaction is below the relevant thresholds. [more - original PR]