Lion Air places huge Airbus order

The deal sees the carrier become a new customer for Airbus.

The order was finalised earlier at a special ceremony at the Elysée Palace in Paris in the presence of president

François Hollande of France, who witnessed the signing of documents by Rusdi Kirana, co-founder and chief executive of Lion Air Group and Fabrice Brégier, president, Airbus.

In a single class layout the A320 can seat up to 180 passengers, while the A321 can carry up to 236 with the latest cabin configuration options.

Lion Air Group will use the aircraft to meet growth requirements on its expanding domestic and regional route network.

The carrier will announce engine selections for the aircraft in the near future.

“The fuel-efficient A320 Family will enable Lion Air to achieve the lowest possible operating costs and continue to offer the most competitive fares in the Asian region,” said Kirana.

“This landmark order will ensure that the Lion Air Group will continue its expansion with one of the most modern and advanced fleets in the world.”