easyJet (London Luton) says it will increase the seating capacity of its A320-200s from the current 180 to 186 seats. Airline CEO Carolyn McCall said during the LCC's 1H2015 earnings call on Tuesday this week that the extra 3.33% capacity would result in a further 2% cost-per-seat saving when compared to a 180-seater A320.
"I'm really pleased to announce today that following a rigorous process with Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) we have decided to increase the seat density of our A320s from 180 to 186 seats," she said. "From May 2016 all deliveries will have 186 seats."
Beginning in winter 2016, easyJet will also retrofit its existing fleet of eighty-two A320-200s with the six additional seats. The revamp should be completed in time for the summer 2018 season McCall added.
Alongside the A320 fleet, easyJet also operates 142 A319-100s with an additional 200 A320neo (inclusive of 100 options) on order from Airbus. Late last month, McCall said the A321 was also a possibility given the jet's added range but would not comment on any possible order plans.
