A strong endorsement of the newest evolution in the Airbus fleet came today with the announcement of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) for 40 A320 New Engine Option (A320neo) aircraft and 40 A319neo aircraft from Republic Airways Holdings, Inc., the parent company of U.S.-based Frontier Airlines.

The commitment from Republic, announced today at the Paris Air Show, makes the company a launch customer for the A319neo. Republic subsidiary Frontier currently operates 58 Airbus A318, A319 and A320 aircraft.

Republic has selected CFM International’s LEAP-X engine for all 80 of their new A320neo and A319neo aircraft. The aircraft 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 reflection of the strong and mutually beneficial partnership Frontier and Airbus have enjoyed over the past decade,” said Bryan Bedford, chairman, president and CEO of Republic Airways. “The addition of these state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient aircraft to our fleet will be a major factor in Frontier maintaining its position as an industry cost leader and will allow Frontier to continue to offer travelers low fares despite persistently high fuel prices.”

“Frontier’s tagline, ‘a whole different animal,’ is descriptive also of a corporate philosophy that has kept Republic’s airlines at the top of the game with high-technology, high-efficiency aircraft,” said Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers John Leahy. “With this deal, Republic is selecting the neo as a strong growth platform for their Frontier subsidiary. We couldn’t agree more that this is a wise decision.”

Airbus press release