Kuwait Airways begins fleet upgrade with first A320 Sharklet delivery
First Middle East airline to equip fleet with Airbus’ Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS)
22 DECEMBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE
During a special ceremony in Airbus Toulouse, Kuwait Airways, took delivery of an A320 equipped with Sharklets; the first of 37 new aircraft the company ordered marking the start of a major fleet renewal plan.
In February 2013, Kuwait Airways announced the lease of 12 Airbus aircraft including 7 A320ceo and 5 A330-200 in addition to the purchase of 25 aircraft including 10 A350-900 and 15 A320neo family aircraft.
The A320 single-aisle jetliner family is the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family, and its versatility will support Kuwait Airways’ range of services - from very short-haul airline routes to intercontinental segments, on operations from challenging in-city airports to high-altitude airfields. Equipped with “Sharklet” wing tip devices, Kuwait Airways’ new A320 will deliver up to 4 percent in fuel savings, as well as provide the airline with additional advantages such as a better rate-of-climb, higher optimum altitude, reduced engine maintenance costs and higher residual aircraft value.
The airline has also decided to equip its new A320 fleet with Airbus’ innovative Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS) technology. This on-board cockpit technology, which Airbus has pioneered independently over several years, increases pilots’ situational awareness during landing, reduces exposure to runway excursion risk, and if necessary, provides active protection.
Kuwait Airways’ chairwoman, Rasha Al Roumi, said: “This is a defining moment for Kuwait Airways, as we begin to upgrade our fleet. The A320 Sharklet will enable us to provide our customers with a premium product, delivering best-in-class services, whilst offering excellent value for money.” “The incorporation of the Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS) in 7 of our aircraft will allow us to stay at the forefront of technology for safety.” She added.
“As one of the first Middle East airlines, today signifies a new chapter in Kuwait Airways’s history. We are delighted Kuwait Airways has chosen Airbus to renew its fleet and meet its future ambitions. The A320 proven track-record is clearly demonstrating the value our products to both operators and customers. We are confident the aircraft will act as a fast-track towards continued success for Kuwait Airways said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.
Incorporating all of the benefits from Airbus’ advances in innovation and technology, the A320 includes Airbus’ 18-inch wide seat standard for unmatched passenger comfort, an extra-wide aisle for faster boarding and highly efficient in-flight service, as well as more space for carry-on baggage. Airbus’ fly-by-wire technology will allow for Kuwait Airways’ new A320 to be seamlessly integrated into the airline’s existing fleet.
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