Serial aviation startup founder David Neeleman’s newest venture will spend more than $5 billion on new rebranded Airbus A220 jets.
Tentatively called Moxy Airlines, Neeleman’s new startup will be US based and targets underserved secondary airports.
Moxy will buy 60 A220-300 jets, which were formerly part of the Bombardier C-Series before a production venture with the Canadian plane maker and Airbus.
"After years of US airline consolidation, the conditions are improving for a new generation of US airline to emerge, focused on passenger service and satisfaction," said Neeleman.
"The A220 will enable us to serve thinner routes in comfort without compromising cost, especially on longer-range missions."
It is the second major deal for the A220 in a week after JetBlue – another of Neeleman’s startups – announced a similar order.
"This US airline startup’s decision for the A220 as the platform on which to launch their new business model is a testament to the passenger appeal and operating economics of this outstanding aircraft," said Eric Schulz, chief commercial officer for Airbus.
As well as JetBlue, Neeleman also co-founded Canadian carrier WestJet and Brazil’s Azul.
