Frontier Defers New Airbus Aircraft, Cancels A321XLR Order

Frontier Airlines has significantly modified its outstanding order for Airbus aircraft, as flagged by @IshrionA. I don’t think this will surprise anyone…

Frontier defers 54 Airbus jets to 2029 and beyond

Ultra low cost carrier Frontier Airlines operates a fleet consisting exclusively of Airbus A320-family aircraft. Back before the pandemic, the airline had huge growth plans, given that ultra low cost carriers were performing well. However, the airline has been struggling with profitability in recent years, and has now changed up its outstanding orders.

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Specifically, the airline has revised its Airbus aircraft deliveries as follows (all orders are for A320neos and A321neos):

• In 2025, Frontier was supposed to take delivery of 42 aircraft, but that has now been reduced to 21, representing a reduction of 21 aircraft
• In 2026, Frontier was supposed to take delivery of 41 aircraft, but that has now been reduced to 22, representing a reduction of 19 aircraft
• In 2027, Frontier was supposed to take delivery of 42 aircraft, but that has now been reduced to 34, representing a reduction of eight aircraft
• In 2028, Frontier was supposed to take delivery of 40 aircraft, but that has now been reduced to 34, representing a reduction of six aircraft
• In 2029, Frontier was supposed to take delivery of 22 aircraft, but that has now been increased to 36, representing an increase of 14 aircraft
• In 2030 and beyond, Frontier is now planning to take delivery of 40 aircraft, representing an increase of 40 aircraft

As you can see, Frontier is essentially deferring 54 aircraft deliveries planned for 2025-2028 to 2029 and beyond.

I don’t think this development will surprise anyone. Ultra low cost carriers are struggling right now, as the industry deals with an overcapacity issues. There’s simply not space for much growth at the moment, so it’s logical enough to see Frontier deferring these deliveries. For that matter, JetBlue recently announced it would also defer lots of new Airbus aircraft.

I’m sure there are other airlines that would be more than happy to pick up these close-in delivery slots. 😉

Frontiers backtracks on Airbus A321XLR plans

Frontier Airlines has also updated its agreement with Airbus to reflect that it no longer plans to take delivery of the Airbus A321XLR, and will instead acquire more A321neos. The A321XLR is the new long range version of the Airbus A320-family aircraft, opening up all kinds of new long and thin routes for airlines.

Frontier was actually the first US airline to order this jet, and the plan was for Frontier to acquire 18 A321XLRs. This development most definitely isn’t surprising, given Frontier’s situation.

However, even taking Frontier’s current challenges out of the equation, I never really understood what Frontier was going for with this aircraft order. Operating ultra low cost long haul flights is incredibly challenging to begin with, let alone with low capacity aircraft like this.

Bottom line

Frontier Airlines has updated its order with Airbus. The airline has deferred the delivery of 54 Airbus A320-family aircraft that were supposed to be delivered in 2025-2028, and they’ll now be delivered in 2029 and beyond. On top of that, Frontier no longer has plans to fly the A321XLR, which is logical enough.

Frontier’s top priority at the moment is staying in business, so reducing capital expenditures is a logical move.

What do you make of Frontier’s Airbus aircraft deferral?