Virgin America Set to Acquire 40 More Airbus A320 Aircraft; Airline’s All-Airbus Fleet to Triple in Size
(Source: EADS; issued July 22, 2010)
FARNBOROUGH, UK --- Virgin America and Airbus signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 40 Airbus A320 aircraft today at the Farnborough International Air Show. The order will triple Virgin America’s fleet going forward. The airline indicated it would announce its choice of engines for the additional aircraft once the purchase agreement is finalized.
“The low operating costs and cabin comfort of the A320 fit our growth plans as well as our guests’ high expectations for comfort, style and efficiency in their travel,” said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush.
"A repeat order from Virgin America – a U.S. airline growing quickly both in terms of their route network and their reputation for excellent service – is a great affirmation of the benefits of operating the A320 Family," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We are very pleased they have chosen to expand their reach with even more of our aircraft, and we look forward to continuing to support their Airbus fleet."
Virgin America already operates 28 Airbus aircraft (10 A319s and 18 A320s) and will put a total of 22 more purchased and leased A320s into service by the end of 2012. Once finalized, the MoU announced today would expand the Virgin America fleet to a total of 90 Airbus aircraft.
With this MoU, Virgin America may choose the new, fuel-saving “Sharklet” option that is available beginning in late 2012 on A320 aircraft. Sharklets are large wing-tip devices that will enhance the eco-efficiency and payload-range performance of the A320 Family. Offered as a forward-fit option, they are expected to result in at least 3.5 percent reduced fuel burn over longer sectors, corresponding to an annual reduction of around 700 metric tons of carbon dioxide per aircraft. This latest development is part of a larger, continuous-improvement program for the A320 Family.
The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. With more than 6,500 aircraft sold, and some 4,300 aircraft delivered to more than 310 customers and operators worldwide, the A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. (ends)
ALAFCO Opts for the A350-900; Converts Order from A350-800 to the Higher Capacity -900
(Source: EADS; issued July 21, 2010)
FARNBOROUGH, UK --- ALAFCO, the Kuwait-based international Aviation Lease and Finance Company, has converted its existing firm order for
12 Airbus A350-800’s placed in 2007, into the higher capacity A350 -900 model.
The A350-900 is the first of the three members of the A350 XWB family to be introduced and will enter service in mid 2013. ALAFCO’s main shareholder is Kuwait Finance House. ALAFCO specialises in Sharia-based commercial aircraft leasing.
“Our customers are seeing rapid recovery in demand. The A350-900 is best suited to meet the needs of our customers in the decades to come. The A350 XWB will be a strong asset in our portfolio,” said Ahmad Al Zabin, ALAFCO’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
“Growth in the industry is undeniable. As passenger traffic begins to recover, we are delighted that ALAFCO have chosen the most popular A350 XWB model. This decision is further evidence of a wider industry trend towards larger aircraft,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers.
The A350-900 typically has a capacity of around 40 more seats than the smaller 800 model.
The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) Family is Airbus’ response to widespread market demand for a series of highly efficient medium-capacity long-range wide-body aircraft. With a range of up to 8,300 nm / 15,400 km, it is available in three basic passenger versions: the A350-800 accommodating 270 passengers, the A350-900 seating 314 and the A350-1000 for 350 passengers in a typical three-class layout.
The A350 XWB has the widest fuselage in its category, offering unprecedented levels of comfort, the lowest operating costs and lowest seat mile cost of any aircraft in this market segment. With power supplied by two new generation Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350 XWB Family is designed to confront the challenges of volatile fuel prices, rising passenger expectations and environmental concerns.
Orders for the aircraft stand at more than 530 from over 33 customers. (ends)
Garuda Indonesia Orders Six A330-200s
(Source: EADS; issued July 21, 2010)
FARNBOROUGH,UK --- Garuda Indonesia, the national carrier of Indonesia, has placed a firm order with Airbus for six long range A330-200 aircraft. Scheduled for delivery from the fourth quarter of 2012, the newly ordered aircraft will join a fleet of four recently delivered leased A330-200s and six owned A330-300s already in service at the airline.
Garuda Indonesia's newly ordered A330-200s will feature a high comfort two class layout for operation on services to destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as to the Middle East and Europe. The aircraft will be powered by Trent 700 engines from Rolls-Royce.
"Since we started operating the A330-200 last year, the aircraft has proven itself to be a winner for us both in terms of operating economics and passenger appeal," said Emirsyah Satar, President & CEO Garuda Indonesia. "The extended range, low operating costs and the high levels of comfort make it the perfect vehicle for us to bring our new premium service to more international destinations in a profitable and efficient way."
"We are extremely pleased to reaffirm our long-term partnership with Garuda Indonesia with this new order," said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. "The order underscores yet again the A330's status as the most efficient aircraft in-service in the mid-size category today and the right aircraft right now for airlines across the globe."
The modern and efficient A330 is one of the most widely used widebody aircraft in service today. To date, Airbus has won more than 1,000 firm orders for the various versions of the aircraft. More than 700 A330s have already been delivered and the aircraft is currently flying with over 80 operators worldwide. (ends)
Germania Signs for Airbus A319 to Start Complete Fleet Rollover; Berlin Based Airline Becomes New Airbus Operator
(Source: EADS; issued July 21, 2010)
FARNBOROUGH, --- S.A.T., the holding company of Berlin based airline Germania, has firmed up its Memorandum of Understanding and signed a contract for five Airbus A319s. Germania will thus become a new Airbus operator and will start a complete fleet rollover to eco-efficient Airbus A319s.
Deliveries of the aircraft will start in 2011. Germania will fly the A319s to their 30 destinations in Germany, Europe, around the Mediterranean region and the Middle East.
Germania has chosen a spacious single class cabin layout for 150 passengers, offering even more comfort and more space for their passengers. The cabin will be equipped with a state-of-the-art entertainment system, containing video screens and in-seat audio channels. Germania’s A319s will be powered by CFM engines.
“The A319 is indeed the most popular aircraft in its segment. Germania and its customers will profit from its proven efficiency and its enormous flexibility for charter and schedules routes. With the modern and eco-efficient A319s we will also provide an important contribution to reducing the impact on environment”, said Axel Trampnau, Chief Executive Officer of Germania.
“A complete fleet renewal is a major step. We are very delighted by S.A.T.’s and Germania’s decision to make the Airbus A319 the reference aircraft of their future fleet”, said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO at Airbus. “It is an endorsement of the leading market position of the A320 Family as airlines profit from its unique efficiency and reliability.”
Airbus aircraft share a unique cockpit and operational commonality, allowing airlines to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers, bringing operational flexibility and resulting in significant cost savings.
The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. With more than 6,500 aircraft sold, and some 4,300 aircraft delivered to more than 310 customers and operators worldwide, the A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. (ends)
Thai Airways International to Order Seven More A330s
(Source: EADS; issued July 21, 2010)
FARNBOROUGH, UK --- Thai Airways International (THAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of seven more A330-300s. The aircraft will be delivered from the end of 2011 and will join an existing fleet of 20 A330-300s flying to destinations across the Asia-Pacific region.
The MOU was finalised today at the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK by Captain Montree Jumrieng, THAI Managing Director of Technical Department and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.
“THAI has selected the A330-300 to meet our medium haul requirement. This will lead to improved efficiency as well as reducing the average age of our fleet. As our objective is to be a first choice airline, we would like to enhance our customer's experience with new aircraft and the best service available on board,” said Capt. Montree Jumrieng. “Our fleet strategy aims to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by matching aircraft size to market demand, while working on fleet simplification in the long-term.”
"We are extremely pleased to sign this MOU with one of our longest-standing customers and most experienced A330 operators," said John Leahy. "THAI's latest commitment once again underscores the A330's status as the most efficient mid-size widebody aircraft in-service today and the right aircraft right now for airlines across the globe."
The modern and efficient A330 is one of the most widely used widebody aircraft in service today. To date, Airbus has won more than 1,000 firm orders for the various versions of the aircraft. More than 700 A330s have already been delivered and the aircraft is currently flying with over 80 operators worldwide.
-ends-
http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articl ... rough.html