Having firmed up on its combined order of 100 Airbus A319neo, A320neo and A321neo jets with an option for a further 50 aircraft in January last year, Spirit Airlines (Spirit) has announced its choice of engine, the Pratt & Whitney GTFTM geared turbofan engine. Deliveries should begin in early 2023.
Spirit's order for the Airbus jets will see the Florida-based low-cost carrier's fleet virtually double in size by 2025, it is currently operating an all-Airbus fleet of 168 and will become the first U.S. operator of the new A319neo. This follows on from Spirit being the first operator of the A320neo in both the U.S. and also Canada. In addition, Spirits' fleet will be covered by a new EngineWise® Comprehensive long-term maintenance agreement. Spirit previously selected GTF engines to power 55 owned and 13 leased A320neo-family aircraft, of which 43 have been delivered.
In 2021 alone, Pratt & Whitney has received orders and commitments for in excess of 1,200 of the GTFTM engine. “Spirit operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry, and this order for the latest GTF engines, combined with our existing pipeline of brand-new aircraft, will ensure we continue leading the way,” said Spirit Airlines' Chief Financial Officer Scott Haralson. “Pairing new planes with the latest engine technology from our long-term business partner Pratt & Whitney allows us to accomplish our mission of delivering the best value in the sky.”
