Serial airline entrepreneur David Neeleman, the founder of JetBlue, is behind the launch of a new US carrier that has committed to buying 60 Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
The start-up, understood to be called Moxy, revealed the Memorandum of Understanding at the Farnborough International Airshow 2018.
It is backed by “a group of experienced investors”, led by Neeleman who founded JetBlue and is an investor in TAP Air Portugal and controlling shareholder in Brazilian low-cost carrier Azul.
“After years of US airline consolidation, the conditions are improving for a new generation of US airline to emerge, focused on passenger service and satisfaction,” said Neeleman.
“The A220 will enable us to serve thinner routes in comfort without compromising cost, especially on longer-range missions. With deliveries starting in 2021, we will have ample time to assemble a world-class management team and another winning business model.”
Neeleman is best-known for launching New York-based JetBlue nearly two decades ago. He left as chairman in 2008 and went on to form Azul.
Eric Schulz, chief commercial officer for Airbus, said the commitment “confirms the important role the A220 aircraft now occupies in our Airbus single-aisle portfolio”.
He added: “This U.S. airline start-up’s decision for the A220 as the platform on which to launch their new business model is a testament to the passenger appeal and operating economics of this outstanding aircraft.”
Airbus has revealed the A220 earlier this month at a ceremony held at its Henri-Ziegler Delivery Centre, near Toulouse in France.
The A220 family comprises two models, the A220-100 and A220-300, formerly Bombardier's C Series (CS100 and CS300). The aircraft are fully optimised for the 100- to 150-seat market.
Airbus took control of the C Series aircraft programme after buying 50.01 per cent of the assets of the limited partnership that owns the C Series.
JetBlue became the first airline to place an order for the rebranded jet. The A220 order comprises firm orders for 60 aircraft, with deliveries to start in 2020, and another 60 options for delivery from 2025. The A220s will replace the carrier's Embraer 190 fleet.
"While the E190 has played an important role in JetBlue’s network since 2005, the airline’s fleet review determined that the A220's economics would allow the airline to lower costs in the coming years," JetBlue said in a statement.
“We expect the A220 to be an important long-term building block in our goal to deliver superior margins and create long-term shareholder value,” said Steve Priest, executive vice president and chief financial officer of JetBlue.
“We are confident the A220 will perform well in every aspect, including network, cost, maintenance, or customer experience. Simply put – our crewmembers, customers and owners are going to love this aircraft.”
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