Interjet Airlines of Mexico is reportedly planning on phasing out some of its Sukhoi Superjet 100’s to make room for an additional 20 Airbus A320-neo aircraft. The plan is part of a new 3-year effort to restructure its fleet. The airline currently has 22 Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft in its fleet, with one of those units parked in storage. Interjet has 8 more of the aircraft on order, but will most likely convert those aircraft orders to the Superjet 130NG currently in development.
The 20 additional A320-neo’s its adding to its orderbook will be delivered over the course of the next five years. Interjet states that the fleet restructuring plan will bring it greater opportunities to be more competitive, further reducing its operational costs and enhance its profitability. The airline is looking to add more international business as it continues to grow. Interjet recently took delivery of its seventh Airbus A321-neo aircraft on September 9, 2018.
Interjet has experienced some operational challenges with its Sukhoi Superjet 100’s since adding the aircraft to its fleet in 2013. Issues with the airplanes stabiliser forced it to ground half of its fleet in early 2017, and some of the aircraft were grounded after being used for spare parts. Interjet plans to continue differentiating itself from other low-cost carriers, with free checked bags and complimentary snacks onboard. The airline also has continued to pursue global alliances with Lufthansa, Japan Airlines, EVA Air, and Emirates.
