Airbus Signs Launch Customer for A320neo

Indian discount airline Indigo will become the launch customer for the Airbus A320neo, the European manufacturer announced today. Already the largest low-fare carrier in India, Indigo signed a memorandum of understanding covering 150 A320neos and another 30 standard A320s. The parties haven’t yet announced an engine selection. Scheduled for introduction in 2016, the A320neo will come with either the Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1100G geared turbofan or the CFM Leap-X.

According to Airbus, the MOU ranks as the biggest single commitment for “large” jets in the history of the commercial airline industry.  

Now operating 34 A320-200s and subleasing five, Indigo holds firm orders for another 61 of the Airbus narrowbodies. At its launch at the 2005 Paris Air Show, Indigo placed an order for 100 A320s worth some $6 billion at list prices.