JetBlue places first Airbus order in 2002: New York airline orders 10 more A320s

Continuing its growth as an airline and its success with Airbus aircraft, New York City (JFK)-based jetBlue Airways has penned an order for 10 additional A320s. Deliveries of these new additions are slated to begin this year and run through 2005. The newly-ordered aircraft, like all of jetBlue's A320s, will be powered by International Aero Engines V2500s.

"Despite the airline industry's current climate, jetBlue is moving forward with its original controlled growth business plan," said David Neeleman, jetBlue's Chief Executive Officer. "More than four million customers have come to love our brand new A320s as a safe, reliable and comfortable way to travel for business and pleasure. We look forward to welcoming many more aboard our new fleet this year and in the years to come."

"JetBlue continues to defy convention," said Noël Forgeard, CEO of Airbus. "It has found great and rapid success as a start-up by remaining cutting edge both in its aircraft selection and in its low-fare, high-service product. Airbus is very proud to be a part of the continuing jetBlue triumph. We are also, of course, very pleased that they have again selected the A320 to grow their fleet."

Including these 10 additional aircraft, jetBlue has placed orders for a total of 74 A320 aircraft, putting the carrier among Airbus' top-five customers for the aircraft type. Each of jetBlue's A320s carries 162 passengers in a roomy single-class configuration, offering LiveTV and leather upholstery in every seat.

Designed to optimize passenger comfort and maximize cost savings, the A318, A319, A320 and A321 form the world's most profitable and best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. All derived from the same fuselage, the A320 Family provides operators with the highest degree of commonality and economy for aircraft in the 107-185 seat category.

With the world's most modern and extensive airliner family on offer, Airbus consistently wins about half of large airliner sales - 100 seats and above - and currently has firm orders for more than 4,400 airliners from some 200 customers and operators around the globe. Airbus is a joint EADS Company with BAE SYSTEMS.

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