easyJet, a low-cost airline, has been undergoing significant changes in its fleet composition. Initially flying with Boeing 737s, the airline switched to the Airbus A320ceo family in October 2002, ordering 120 A319ceo aircraft. Over time, easyJet also added larger A320ceo and A321ceo models to its fleet.
The transition to the A321neo began when easyJet converted 30 of its existing orders from the A320neo to the A321neo. According to Airbus, this change was aimed at "growth at slot-constrained airports," while easyJet noted that it would help manage costs. Johan Lundgren, then-CEO of easyJet, highlighted that the larger aircraft would enable cost savings and environmental benefits: “It will also provide easyJet with the lowest operating costs in the single aisle aircraft category.”
In 2023, shareholders approved an order for up to 157 A320neo family aircraft and 100 purchase rights. The airline converted 35 planned A320neo deliveries into A321neos as part of this order. This move is expected to support growth by replacing older models and expanding capacity.