Turkish Airlines has placed a major order for A320 Family aircraft in what Airbus described as the largest commercial aircraft order ever by a Turkish carrier.
The deal includes firm orders for 53 next-generation A321neos, four A320neos and 25 current-generation A321neos. It also includes options for 35 additional A321neos.
Airbus said the deal pushed orders for its next generation ‘neo’ single aisle aircraft above 2,000 a little over two years after the aircraft was launched. A re-engined version of the A320, the A320neo is expected to enter service in 2015, followed by the A319neo and A321neo in 2016. Airbus says the upgraded jets will be 15 per cent more fuel efficient than the current generation.
Turkish Airlines said it would make engine selections for the new aircraft at a later date. The airline currently operates 75 A320 Family aircraft and said it would use the additional jets to expand short- and medium-haul routes from Istanbul.
