Originally Posted by
Bluedriver
Don't mean to be a Richard, but they have the order book they want, or they would have changed it. At the very least, worst case, they would place an order for deliveries later than they want, and ask to be put on the list for move-ups in case another airline cancelled. If they haven't done that, then they have the order book they want.
Ursula said recently that more than just the 11 A320s that are being returned next year and the year after will be due for replacement soon and to expect an RFP for their replacement. In the next 5 years, when the current order book ends, about 100 of the 320s will be 20 years old, by 2030 all but 14 will be 20, obviously with high cycle/hours for their age. The cost of that replacement directly from Airbus would be about the same price as buying spirit, maybe more. I’m guessing they see what happens with this merger to see if they inherit an existing order book (at which time they will likely convert the 319NEOs to 220s or 321s), and/or another follow-on attempt to merge, and if none of that happens they make another order for 2027 onward when the current deliveries stop.