easyJet today announced that it has reached agreement with the European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, to exercise existing options over 52 Airbus A319 aircraft for delivery between 2008 and 2010 and to secure new options over a further 75 A320 family aircraft.The exercise of the 52 options is subject to shareholder approval.

This will underpin easyJet's growth over the coming years and ensures that the airline continues to operate some of the cleanest, quietest aircraft available. It will also help to secure thousands of European manufacturing jobs.

The total size of easyJet's order of Airbus aircraft (including options), first announced in October 2002, is 315. Of these, 88 have already been delivered.

Andy Harrison, easyJet Chief Executive, said:
"This major new aircraft order underpins our continuing rapid growth, which has been driven by our winning combination of low fares with care and convenience.

"This order supports both our growth and our environmental credentials. The combination of our modern fleet, with an average age of 2.2 years, and high utilisation means that we emit nearly 30% fewer emissions per passenger kilometre than traditional airlines flying similar routes. We welcome the Stern Review, which says that aviation accounts for just 1.6% of greenhouse gas emissions, and we have long campaigned to bring aviation into the European Emissions Trading System as soon as possible.

"easyJet's growth over the coming years and the scale of this order will also support thousands of European jobs in aircraft manufacturing, tourism, airports and the many other industries that aviation supports."