European aircraft manufacturer Airbus recently bagged new firm orders for 75 of the ever-popular A321neo Family aircraft, taking the total order for the most prominent member of the single-aisle narrowbody to 434. The order for additional aircraft came from none other than one of the biggest European low-cost carriers, the all-Airbus operator Wizz Air.

New aircraft orders from Wizz Air

The Hungarian budget carrier currently operates a fleet of over 180 Airbus A320 and A320neo Family aircraft but has been gradually firming up orders for the bigger and more fuel-efficient A321neo in recent years to renew and ensure long-term fleet sustainability. Before this new firm order, Wizz Air was already set to become the most significant A321neo Family operator in Europe and the Middle East.

With the recent order, the low-cost carrier will further reinforce this anticipated position by having one of the largest outstanding order books worldwide for more than 350 A321neo aircraft, as emphasized by Chief Executive Officer József Váradi:

"More than half our fleet has already been converted to cutting-edge neo technology. The A321neo's unparalleled economic efficiency and shallow carbon footprint underpin our commitment to providing affordable and sustainable travel options for our customers. We have enjoyed a longstanding strategic partnership with Airbus and are steadfast in our commitment to this exceptional technology."

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

Recent fleet addition from Airbus

The latest aircraft order from Wizz Air follows closely after Airbus recently delivered the budget carrier's first A321neo aircraft produced from the Tianjin Final Assembly Line. Registered 9H-WDR and operating for Wizz Air Malta, it was the 35th under the primary Hungarian brand and the 95th when accounting for all the A321neos across the numerous Wizz Air subsidiaries.

And if it has not been made evident enough, the narrowbody is undoubtedly the airline's aircraft of choice. The relatively fresh delivery in late June came four years after Wizz Air received its first-ever Airbus A321neo. It also marked the aircraft manufacturer's first aircraft delivery to a European carrier directly from the Tianjin Final Assembly Line.

The first was delivered to Shanghai-based Juneyao Air earlier this year in late March. During the receiving ceremony, Varadi appreciates the honor of such a milestone by saying:

"With the A321neo accounting for more than 50% of our fleet, it is fitting that we mark the occasion by becoming the first European customer to take delivery of an aircraft from Airbus’ final assembly line in Tianjin. I want to thank the team at Airbus and AVIC for making this possible. We look forward to our continued cooperation as Wizz Air accelerates toward becoming a 500-aircraft Group by the end of the decade.”

Photo: Airbus

Bottom line

There's also the curious question of how many more A321neo Family aircraft Wizz Air will order next, considering the low-cost carrier already has one of the most substantial order books. It will certainly be interesting to see if more orders will be placed before this year-end.

And given the current slowed production rates amid the ongoing global supply chain disruptions, Wizz Air will probably be receiving more Airbus A321neos from the Tianjin Final Assembly Line in the near future.

What do you think of Wizz Air's new firm order? Let us know in the comments below.