Go Air doubles Airbus A320neo order to 144 with fresh $7.7 billion deal

Indian low-cost airline Go Air will buy a total of 144 Airbus A320neo aircraft, as part of an ambitious expansion plan. The airline on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for an additional 72 A320neo aircraft, worth $7.7 billion at list prices.

Go Air, a Wadia Group company, made the announcement at the Farnborough International Airshow.

Go Air had placed a similar order for 72 A320neo in 2011, which brings the total order book to 144 aircraft. The first two aircraft from this order were delivered in June.

With the NEO induction, Go Air will expand its network and offer fliers better connectivity and continue its growth as one of India's preferred low-cost airline.

''The new A320neo provide us the competitive edge to achieve our growth targets and help us strengthening our presence in the wider region. It also reaffirms Go Air's commitment to deliver the most modern, comfortable and excellent air travel experience to all customers as well as to strengthen the sustained positive growth and business expansion of the company. The new aircraft will help us in unlocking new domestic routes while providing a springboard for continued international network expansion in the years to come.'' said Go Air CEO Wolfgang Prock-Schauer.

''This further commitment by Go Air is a testament to the reliability, passenger popularity and unbeatable operating economics of the A320 family. I congratulate Go Air,'' said Airbus chief operating officer customers, John Leahy.

''Go Air is among the three first A320neo operators, and with an order for 144 is one of the leading operators of the type.''

Go Air is the first airline to use A320 NEO in Spaceflex configuration with 186 seats without compromising on the passenger leg room and comfort. This configuration will also enable better service and availability during peak season for the travelers, Airbus said in a release.

''The A320neo Family incorporates latest technologies, including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 per cent in fuel savings from day one and 20 per cent by 2020 with further cabin innovations.

''The A320neo family is the world's best-selling single aisle product line with over 4,500 orders from 83 customers since its launch in 2010, capturing almost 60 per cent share of the market,'' it added.

All of A320neo family aircraft offer unmatched comfort in all classes and Airbus' 18'' wide seats in economy as standard. To date, Airbus has delivered nine A320neo aircraft to three customers.