Back to Articles & Analysis

Next Article

Previous Article

01/03/2022

Which low-cost airlines have the most aircraft orders?

Airline fleet data from IBA's InsightIQ aviation intelligence platform reveals the top 5 most active low-cost airlines by aircraft orders, showcasing fleet renewal strategies.

Share this article

LinkedInTwitter

 

1. IndiGo - 548 aircraft orders

An analysis of commercial aircraft orders using InsightIQ has identified Indigo as the most active low-cost airline globally in terms of fleet renewal. As of early March 2022, the Indian low-cost carrier has a total of 548 aircraft orders. These comprise 201 Airbus A320neo aircraft, 332 Airbus A321neo aircraft and 14 ATR72-600 turboprop aircraft. These aircraft will join the existing fleet of 270 aircraft in service at Indigo. The backbone of Indigo's modern generation fleet is the Airbus A320-200neo, of which there are currently 142 aircraft in service. Indigo has the youngest fleet in our ranking, with an average aircraft age of 3.2 years* (10.2 years below the market average age of aircraft).

 

2. Lion Air - 434 aircraft orders

Jakarta based low-cost carrier Lion Air is also notable for its fleet renewal and expansion program. A mixed type operator, Lion Air has a substantial orderbook featuring Airbus A320/21neo and Boeing MAX family aircraft. The Lion Air orderbook includes 50 orders for the 737 MAX 10, accounting for just over 8% of current orders for the type. The operator with the highest number of MAX 10 orders is currently United Airlines, with 242 orders on file according to InsightIQ. Our recent analysis highlighted United as being the most active full-service carrier by aircraft orders, with 538 aircraft on order as of 01 March 2022.

 

3. Southwest Airlines - 407 aircraft orders

The largest low-cost carrier in the United States, Southwest Airlines, notably operates an all-Boeing fleet. Aircraft orders at Southwest correlate with this, expanding the fleet make-up with orders for 191 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 216 Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft. Southwest is the largest customer for the Boeing 737 MAX 7, accounting for almost 77% of orders for the type. Southwest Airlines has an average fleet age of 12.8 years*, the highest average fleet age in our ranking.

 

4. AirAsia - 362 aircraft orders

Malaysian carrier AirAsia is currently fourth in the ranking of global low-cost carriers by aircraft orders, with 362 aircraft on order as of early March 2022. These are all orders for A321neo family aircraft. The most common active aircraft in the AirAsia fleet is currently the Airbus A320-200ceo, with 25 aircraft in service.

 

5. Wizz Air - 329 aircraft orders

Wizz Air are notable for their focus on the Airbus A321neo. Of 329 current aircraft orders, 295 are for Airbus A321neo family aircraft (with the remaining 34 orders being for the Airbus A320neo family). The carrier currently has a fleet of 59 active A321 aircraft, 59% of which are A321neo aircraft.

 

 

IBA's InsightIQ analysis platform flexibly illustrates multiple asset, fleet and market positions, actual and potential, to inform client choices and identify acquisition opportunities. Immediate access to crucial aircraft, engine, lease rate and fleet data eases appreciation of historic and future aircraft concentrations and operator profiles.

 

Sign up for a system demo

Back to Articles & Analysis

Next Article

Previous Article

 

Newsletter sign up