Following shareholder approval, 56 Airbus A320neo and 101 larger A321neo aircraft will be delivered between 2029 and 2034. In addition, 35 A320s already on order will be converted into A321s.

The airline said the deal would permit growth and complete the replacement programme of smaller A319 and older A320s. It already has an order with Airbus for a further 158 A320neo aircraft to be delivered by 2029.

EasyJet said: “With limited delivery slots in the market for narrow body aircraft until at least 2029, confirming this order now ensures easyJet has a supply of future delivery slots between 2029 and 2034 to retain its current scale through replacing aircraft leaving the fleet.

“The 100 purchase rights provides the airline with the opportunity to further grow depending on when they are delivered.”
 
EasyJet said the new aircraft would be between 13% and 30% more fuel efficient, depending on which aircraft they replace, and offer half the noise footprint of older aircraft.

The carrier’s chief executive Johan Lundgren, said: “We are very pleased to be able to confirm this significant order which not only enables easyJet to replace its older aircraft with more efficient aircraft, a core component of our net zero roadmap, but also provides us the ability for disciplined growth, including the significant opportunity that upgauging brings.

“With this order, easyJet will be able to continue to cement its leading position at Europe’s primary airports and so we look forward to working in partnership with Airbus in the years to come.”