David Neeleman's US start-up carrier has firmed an order for 60 Airbus A220-300s, after tentatively signing for the jets at last year's Farnborough air show.
Airbus says the deal with the JetBlue founder's new airline – "code-named Moxy" – was completed in late December, and that the aircraft will be built in the USA, at the planned A220 assembly line in Mobile, Alabama.
Construction of that facility – adjacent to Airbus's US A320 assembly line – is set to begin later this month, adds the airframer. The new A220 line will supplement one in Mirabel, Canada.
Deliveries of A220s to Neeleman's carrier are scheduled to begin in 2021, Airbus said last year.
Neeleman describes the A220 as having a "unique… ability to operate profitably in thin, underserved markets across a broad spectrum of ranges".
He states: "With a low cost of operation and spacious cabin, the A220 will allow us to provide passengers with lower fares and a high quality, comfortable flying experience."
At Farnborough last year, Neeleman stressed that Moxy was merely a working title for his airline project, acknowledging that the name was already used by the Marriott group for one of its hotel brands.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
