Wizz Air has welcomed its 250th aircraft to its fleet at a special event at Budapest Airport (BUD) attended by the carrier’s lifelong CEO József Váradi, staff members and media representatives.
The aircraft’s unveiling ceremony on November 28, 2025, marked a significant milestone in Wizz Air’s legacy after launching in 2004, with the airline’s first jet, an Airbus A320-200.
Váradi gave a rousing speech to celebrate the arrival of the new A321neo while admitting that he initially thought the airline’s all-Airbus fleet would be built by Boeing.
In an interview with AeroTime following his address, Váradi said: “I thought we had to be Boeing because of the heritage in the region. Every airline was flying Boeing. It felt like we didn’t have a choice, but life happened the way it happened, and we ended up becoming an Airbus customer. Seriously, that’s one of the best things that ever happened to us.”
During his speech, Váradi described the first seven years of Wizz Air’s journey as “incredibly challenging” with real concerns in 2004 that the airline could no longer continue to operate.
Wizz Air showcases its 250th aircraft in Budapest #A321neo #Airbus pic.twitter.com/V1eUh0Zzn7
— Ian Molyneaux💙🇺🇦 (@Ian_Molyneaux_) November 29, 2025
Váradi heaped praise on the Airbus A321neo describing the aircraft as the “best in the world” and central to the airline’s fleet expansion.
“It’s a great aircraft, we see this as the best in the world coming out of Airbus or Boeing. It delivers the best seat economics. It’s a source of competitive advantage for the company,” added Váradi.
Váradi also joked that he could not talk about the airline’s current supply chain issues because he was “surrounded by supply chain people”.
It has been well documented that over the past two years Wizz Air operations have been strained with maintenance issues affecting the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine, leaving dozens of planes grounded.
At its highest point, Wizz Air had over 50 aircraft grounded. In October 2025, CCO Michael Delehant said he expected this to be below 40 next year and at zero by March 2028.
At a special event today in Budapest, Wizz Air welcomed its 250th commercial aircraft. The Airbus A321neo was adorned in a blazing livery designed by a local Hungarian artist. pic.twitter.com/AJgeSeGF08
— AeroTime (@AviationNews) November 28, 2025
Váradi was joined on stage by Johan Pelissier, President of Region Europe and Head of Commercial Europe for Commercial Aircraft, and Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to Wizz Air on achieving the milestone of 250 aircraft in its fleet. This landmark 250th aircraft is a powerful demonstration of over two decades of successful partnership between Airbus and Wizz Air’, said Pelissier.
Barrett added: “We are delighted to support Wizz Air in reaching this important milestone. Being part of delivering their 250th aircraft is a testament to the strength of our long-standing relationship and to Wizz Air’s growth story.”
The new A321neo, registered 9H-WMR and leased to Wizz Air by SMBC, featured a dazzling commemorative livery designed by a local Hungarian artist.
The chosen livery followed Wizz Air’s global design competition where members of the public were invited to submit their bold ideas.
Having achieved the landmark ‘250-strong fleet’, Wizz Air’s journey is far from complete with over 260 more planes set to join the airline family over the coming years.
Incorporating a fleet which includes A321s, A321neos, and the latest A321XLR aircraft, Wizz Air has risen to be one of the most prominent low-cost carriers in Europe.
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