Turkey’s budget carrier Pegasus Airlines has placed a firm order with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus for 58 A320neo aircraft and 17 A321neo jets, with an option to add another 25 jets.
The deal marks the largest single aircraft order ever placed by a Turkish carrier and second largest Neo order from a European airline, according to Airbus.
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The optional order when exercised could push the value of the deal for all 100 aeroplanes to $12bn based on list prices.
Pegasus Airlines chairman Ali Sabanci said that the A320neo had a 15% reduced fuel burn.
"It is with great pride that we are placing the biggest order in the history of Turkish civil aviation with Airbus for up to 100 A320neo family aircraft," Sabanci added.
Airbus is expected to deliver the new aircraft between 2015 and 2022.
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By GlobalDataThe low-cost carrier plans to deploy the new fuel-efficient aeroplanes on flights from Istanbul to destinations within Turkey, as well as to Europe and the Middle East.
Featuring an all economy layout, Pegasus’s new A320neo will have 180 seats, while the A321neo will accommodate 220 passengers.
A321neo is the largest variant in the A320neo line, which has been developed with minimal changes from baseline A319s, A320s and A321s; it has an additional range of up to 500nm.
Airbus COO for customers John Leahy said: "New generation technologies on the NEO, such as Sharklets and more efficient engines, will cut fuel burn by 15%; and in addition, operators will benefit from the proven high reliability of the A320 family."
Founded in 1990, Pegasus operates a fleet of 42 aircraft, which includes Boeing 737-400s and 737-800 jets, and serves 62 destinations in 26 countries.
Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines placed orders for 15 long-haul Airbus A330-300 and 15 Boeing 777-300ERs, as part of its expansion strategy.
Turkish Airlines operates flights to more than 200 destinations in 90 countries worldwide.
Image: Pegasus Airlines plans to deploy the new A320neo on flights from Istanbul to destinations within Turkey and Europe and the Middle East. Photo: Fixion / Airbus SAS 2012.
