Low-cost carrier easyJet has announced that it has signed an agreement with Airbus to take delivery of 35 A319 aircraft.
The airline will obtain the new craft in 2011 and 2012 and the planes will help ensure that easyJet's fleet remains modern and environmentally sound.
According to the airline, the new A319 planes will be around 15 per cent more efficient than the older-generation 737-300 aircraft which they will replace.
"This major new aircraft order supports our continuing [growth] and by 2012 we expect to have 229 aircraft and expects to carry in the region of 65 million passengers each year - making us one of Europe's larges airlines," explained Andy Harrison, the airline's chief executive.
"Regulators and legislators should take note of today's order for the some of the newest, cleanest, quietest aircraft.
"Politicians need to develop policies which incentivise consumers to choose those airlines operating the newest, cleanest aircraft and penalise those that do not."
However, research from FrenchEntree.com recently found that UK consumers would not be put off flying with low-cost carriers, even if they were taxed more for doing so.
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