The planes make use of more efficient engines and fuel-saving wing tip devices. Airbus says the total fuel savings from these two devices totals 15 percent, which translates to a reduction of 3,600 tonnes of CO2 per year. More important to carriers than the environmental impact is most likely the lower amount of fuel spent. Rising oil prices will be one of the most important industry story lines in the months to come, according to multiple sources.

Airbus says that more than 330 orders for neo planes are now on the books. Lufthansa now owns 443 Airbus vehicles, 338 of which are currently in service. The company's order backlog is comprised of 60 A320s, 10 A380s and eight A330s in addition to the new order. 

“Since its launch in December last year, the neo has taken the market by storm," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. The total number of orders for the neo craft "represents the fastest rate of sales for any commercial aircraft ever,” he added.