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| Mega expansion plans ahead for budget airline Wizz Air Photo Wizz Air |
The European budget airline Wizz Air has agreed to buy an additional 75 Airbus A321neo and 27 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, with options for a further 75 Airbus A321neos, with most to be delivered between 2025 and 2027.
CEO József Váradi said: “The combination of Wizz Air’s ultra-low-cost operation and the market-leading Airbus A321neo aircraft together create a strong platform for Wizz Air’s future growth in the coming decade as we further strengthen our position as one of the world’s most sustainable airlines.
We remain on track to become a 500-aircraft airline group by the end of the decade while delivering our commitment to reducing our already industry-leading CO2 emissions by 25% by 2030.”
The airline already operates an Airbus fleet of more than 150 aircraft and has just enjoyed a busy peak season carrying 12.9 million people during July and August.
Over the summer, Wizz Air has continued to expand its network, adding 63 new routes to 38 diverse and exciting destinations across Europe and beyond. The airline welcomed 13 brand new Airbus aircraft between June and August, taking the size of its fleet to 165. The airline’s ultra-modern and efficient fleet strengthens its position as one of the world’s most sustainable airlines, and will enable Wizz Air to further reduce its environmental footprint by 25% per passenger kilometre by the end of the decade.
Wizz Air is committed to growing and diversifying its UK network, and now operates more than 60 routes from across the UK. Reaffirming its continued investment in the market, the airline recently announced that it is launching nine new routes from London Luton and Gatwick Airport this autumn, to destinations including Tallin, Estonia; Hurghada, Egypt; Prague, Czech Republic; Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt; Agadir, Morocco; Marrakesh, Morocco; Grenoble, France; and Verona, Italy.
Evelin Jeckel, Network Officer at Wizz Air said: “We are proud to have flown a record number of passengers over the peak summer season, especially given the well-documented challenges facing the entire travel industry. The three months were another exciting period of expansion, with some major highlights, including the announcement of 20 new routes from across Europe to Saudi Arabia and the launch of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flights to Kuwait and the Maldives from October. Not only this, but we have relaunched a number of routes in time for the winter season from bases across Europe, giving our customers even more choice when deciding on their next destination. We want to thank our loyal customers for continuing to choose Wizz Air for its low fares, diverse route network, great onboard service, and ultra-efficient aircraft.”