The sale was confirmed in a note issued to the stock exchange on Friday morning (26 June), which detailed proceeds of $255 million (£206 million).

The transaction is part of a broader effort to raise between £500 million and £650 million through aircraft sales and leasebacks, set out in late May.

EasyJet confirmed on Friday the cash would be use to "maximise liquidity" and "further strengthen" its financial position amid the coronavirus crisis.

The net book value of the aircraft, which range from six months to two years of age, was around £141 million as of 31 March, said the carrier.

Leasing firm SMBC Aviation Capital will acquire the aircraft, which will be leased back to easyJet for between 110 and 122 months – nine to 10 years.

EasyJet added: "EasyJet and SMBC Aviation Capital have also identified other unencumbered aircraft in the easyJet fleet and, if easyJet decide to sell these aircraft over the next 18 months, SMBC Aviation Capital will be our preferred partner for the transaction under financial metrics equivalent to those already established in the transaction announced today."

It comes after easyJet earlier this week confirmed it had raised £419 million in cash through the issuing of 59.5 new shares to investors, further strengthening its financial position.