Industry Airbus seals new orders for its A220 series, delivers first aircraft to Air Tanzania

JetBlue will take up 60 A220-300, same as Start-Up airline Moxy. Both orders are firm orders with deliveries starting in the coming years.

JetBlue will use the aircraft to enhance the current fleet of 195 A321ceos. With the A220s, the carrier can serve more destinations in the most efficient way. The leading American airline also has additional 85 A321neos on order.

Robin Hayes, Chief Executive Officer, JetBlue said: “As we approach our 20th anniversary, the impressive range and economics of the highly efficient A220, combined with the outstanding performance of our existing fleet of Airbus A321 and restyled A320 aircraft, will help ensure we deliver the best on-board experience to customers and meet our long-term financial targets as we continue disciplined growth into the future.”

Founded by David Neeleman 19 years ago, JetBlue has established itself in the U.S.-American airline market. The carrier especially serves destinations in the eastern parts of the US, but also offers flights between the coasts. Currently, 102 destinations are being served.

Neeleman has now announced a new low-cost carrier called Moxy. This new airline venture will use their 60 A220-300s to serve a new customer base with the state-of-the-art aircraft.

Neeleman commented: “With a low cost of operation and spacious cabin, the A220 will allow us to provide passengers with lower fares and a high quality, comfortable flying experience. The A220’s ability to operate profitably in thin, underserved markets across a broad spectrum of ranges is unique.”

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer added: “Moxy has its sights set on the future, so I can’t think of a better aircraft to put into their fleet than the A220 [...] We believe the A220 really is the future of this segment of the market, and the flying public will know from the minute they set foot onboard that they’re experiencing the best our industry has to offer.”

According to Airbus, both orders from JetBlue and Moxy will be produced at Airbus´ new assembly facility in Mobile, Alabama. The A220 plant is expected to be located adjacent to the existing A320 facility. Construction works are about to start this month.

In addition to the new orders, Airbus has also announced it has delivered the first A220 to Air Tanzania. The operator has now become the first African-based airline to offer scheduled flights with the aircraft type. With the A220-300, Air Tanzania seeks to develop its domestic and regional market. Moreover, new routes are set to be opened to India and the Middle East. The operational base of Air Tanzania is located at Dar es Salaam.

Ladislaus Matindi, Managing Director & CEO, Air Tanzania Company Limited confirmed: “With the addition of the A220 in our fleet, we are confident that we will expand our footprint in the growing African markets and beyond, as we unlock additional routes and regain our position as a key player in the African air transport market.”

Philippe Balducchi, CEO of the A220 partnership said: “After Europe, Asia and America, we are proud to see the A220 fly now also on the African continent and in Air Tanzania’s livery. With over 240 Airbus aircraft flying in Africa and a large network of flight service offices in the region, we are ready to contribute to the airline’s success.”

Airbus´s A220 aircraft is the only aircraft built for the 100-150 seats market. Latest generation PW1500G engines offer an up to 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to older generations. The range of the A220 is up to 3,200nm (5,020km). Last year, Airbus acquired the CSeries programme from Bombardier and renamed it to A220.