Republic finalizes order for 80 A320neo Family aircraft

• Frontier Airlines parent joins fast growing customer base for most efficient Single Aisle aircraft

Republic Airways Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Denver-based Frontier Airlines, has confirmed a previously announced (at the Paris Air Show in June) Memorandum of Understanding for 60 A320 New Engine Option (A320neo) aircraft plus 20 A319neo aircraft. Frontier currently operates a fleet of 59 A320 Family aircraft.

Republic has selected CFM International's LEAP-X engines for all 80 of their A320neo and A319neo aircraft. The aircraft will also feature large wingtip devices known as Sharklets. Together, the Sharklets and LEAP-X engines will result in a 15 percent fuel burn reduction, corresponding to an annual carbon dioxide reduction of 3,600 metric tons per aircraft.

"This order is a confirmation of our confidence that Airbus and the A320neo aircraft will be significant contributors to the future growth of Frontier Airlines," said Bryan Bedford, chairman, president and CEO of Republic Airways. "We see high fuel prices continuing, and these state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient aircraft will be a major factor in Frontier maintaining its position as an industry cost leader. They will allow Frontier to continue to offer travellers low fares despite persistently high fuel prices."

"The A320neo is the single-aisle aircraft for our industry's future, and with this order, Republic has demonstrated its position as a forward-thinking organization that puts its passengers first," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer. "Frontier joins a growing list of U.S. airlines that will soon experience the tangible benefits of the A320neo."

Source : Airbus, an EADS N.V. company (Paris: EAD.PA)