Boeing was making a running of commercial deals at all major aviation events this year, but Airbus is finally outpacing its US rival. The French manufacturer has just announced striking a deal with Indigo Partners for 430 planes, to be distributed among four airlines. Valued at $49.5 billion, this is Airbus’ largest single announcement ever.

Airbus and Indigo Partners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Dubai Airshow 2017 for the purchase of 430 A320neo family aircraft. The commitment is comprised of 273 A320neos and 157 A321neos worth $49.5 billion at list prices.

Upon the completion of final purchase agreements, the aircraft will be allocated among four ultra-low-cost airlines in Indigo Partners portfolio: Frontier Airlines (United States), JetSMART (Chile), Volaris (Mexico) and Wizz Air (Hungary).

  
  
 

“This significant commitment for 430 additional aircraft underscores our optimistic view of the growth potential of our family of low-cost airlines, as well as our confidence in the A320neo Family as a platform for that growth,” said Bill Franke, Managing Partner of Indigo Partners.  “Our airlines know that a great aircraft coupled with a great business plan will create value for our customers. We look forward to bringing comfort and low fares to more passengers around the world as Wizz Air, Volaris, JetSMART, and Frontier continue to expand.”

“Indigo Partners have been a tremendous customer and supporter of the Airbus single-aisle fleet for many years,” said John Leahy Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “An order for 430 aircraft is remarkable, but it’s particularly gratifying to all of us at Airbus when it comes from a group of airline professionals who know our products as well as the folks at Indigo Partners do.  We are proud to augment their airline fleets in Latin America, North America, and Europe with the single-aisle aircraft that offers the lowest operating costs, longest range and most spacious cabin: the A320neo Family.”

When added to existing Airbus A320 Family orders, the new agreement will make Indigo Partners one of the largest customers by order number in the world for the Airbus single-aisle aircraft family. Airlines in the Indigo Partners family previously have placed orders for 427 A320 Family aircraft. The newest order is to be distributed as follows:

  • Wizz - 72 A320neo, 74 A321neo
  • Frontier - 100 A320neo, 34 A321neo
  • JetSMART - 56 A320neo, 14 A321neo
  • Volaris - 46 A320neo, 34 A321neo

Indigo Partners’ Bill Franke indicated that engine selections will be made and announced at a later date.

Indigo Partners, based in Phoenix, Arizona, is a private equity fund focused on worldwide investments in air transportation.