Fistful of A321ceos for Wizz

By January 26, 2018 January 16th, 2020 General News

SMBC Aviation Capital has firmed up a five-aircraft deal with low-fare carrier Wizz Air, in a sale and leaseback transaction.

Deliveries will begin in March this year. Wizz operates a fleet of 88 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The new A321ceo aircraft will be powered by IAE International Aero Engines AG’s V2500 engine.

József Váradi, Wizz Air’s CEO, said the addition of the aircraft “will help us to continue to drive our operating costs lower as we aim to become the absolute cost leader in Europe. In 2018, we will remain focused on stimulating customer demand and making low cost air travel accessible for all, while delivering a great experience on-board one of the youngest aircraft fleets in Europe.”

Peter Barrett, CEO at SMBC, added that the A321ceo “offers airline customers superior seat-mile costs and seating capacity meaning that it is particularly suited to the low-cost carrier market.”

SMBC’s owned, managed and committed portfolio of A321s now stands at 20, while it also has a portfolio of 148 A320s, plus 110 A320neos on order. It currently has two existing aircraft on lease to Wizz.