Wizz Air orders 10 new Airbus A321ceo aircraft

Budget airline Wizz Air has ordered an additional 10 Airbus A321ceo aircraft to join its fleet in 2018 and 2019.

The airline, which focuses on Central and Eastern Europe, said the aircraft will support its "significant" growth plans as it responds to strong and growing demand for air travel in the region.

The value of the new order, placed with Airbus and IAE International Aero Engines, is around $1.16bn, although Airbus has granted Wizz "significant" discounts from list prices. The company said it will retain flexibility in determining the most favourable method of financing the aircraft under the Airbus Agreement.

Speaking at a press conference at the Paris Air Show, Wizz chief executive officer József Váradi said: "We are delighted to add additional Airbus A321 aircraft to the Wizz Air fleet. Our already strong relationship with Airbus continues as we invest further in our growing fleet. Since its introduction at Wizz Air in November 2015, the Airbus A321ceo has delivered significant cost advantages and the re-designed interior has enhanced our great on-board service.

"Today's order, together with the existing order for 110 ultra-efficient A321neo, will see Wizz Air take delivery of 140 new aircraft between now and 2024, as well as the clear CEE low cost market leader, to respond to the significant growth opportunities in the CEE by offering its customers the lowest fares and the opportunity to travel on board one of the youngest, most efficient fleets in Europe."

At 1140 BST, the shares were up 0.2% to 2,315p.