Airbus Updates No.3663

 

Ukraine eyes 20 Airbus jets for new flag carrier

Airbus A320 family© Airbus

25.11.2021 - 14:14 UTC

The Government of Ukraine and Airbus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding covering a potential order for six A220s, twelve A320 Family aircraft, and four widebody A330/A350s for the planned new flag carrier, now known to be called Ukrainian National Airlines.

The start-up is set to begin operations by the end of 2022 and has been touted as a way to reduce dependency on Ukraine International Airlines (PS, Kyiv Boryspil), the country's largest carrier owned by US-sanctioned oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky. On November 25, the cabinet adopted the "Action Plan to Prevent the Abuse of Excessive Influence by Persons with Significant Economic and Political Weight in Public Life (Oligarchs)", a flagship initiative of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Among other measures, the plan included a new flag carrier.

On November 8, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament) approved the revision to the 2021 budget, allocating an additional UAH500 million hryvnias (USD18.5 million) in start-up capital for Ukraine National Airlines.

Zelensky first proposed the creation of a new state-owned airline in Ukraine in early 2020. The country has relied on privately-owned carriers since the collapse of Air Ukraine (6U, Kyiv Boryspil) in 2004. While the government remains adamant that Ukraine National Airlines should eventually operate Ukrainian-made aircraft, Zelensky conceded that local manufacturers were not ready for such expansion. The only commercial aircraft manufactured in Ukraine is the An-148-100.

The choice of the European manufacturer as the fleet supplier is not surprising as the government had appointed French consultancy Aerogéstion and has closely cooperated with the French state in recent months.

The MOU was signed during the ongoing Big Construction: Aviation and Tourism Forum. The parties did not publicly disclose the delivery timeline or any further details concerning the tentative order. They said Ukraine National Airlines would either buy or lease the aircraft. Airbus said that once they are delivered, it could start cooperating with the Ukrainian aerospace industry, although it did not clarify what that would entail.

Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said that the government would be careful with the development of the new carrier adding that the authorities are confident it will turn profitable within five years of launching.

Zelensky added that on top of creating the new flag carrier, the government's strategy also envisions the expansion of Kyiv Boryspil to become "the most powerful Eastern European air hub". Ukraine also plans to build two new airports, one in the eastern part of the country and one in Zakarpattia in the southwest. However, Zelensky did not specify any exact locations for these gateways.

Airbus Updates No.3061

 

Norwegian, Airbus agree terms to scrap 88 deliveries

Illustration of Norwegian Airbus A321-200© Airbus

25.02.2021 - 15:59 UTC

Norwegian (DY, Oslo Gardermoen) has agreed with Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) on the terms of a consent order to cancel a deal to buy 88 aircraft, it was revealed during the carrier’s ongoing bankruptcy protection and restructuring process at the Irish High Court.

Under these terms, the manufacturer will keep the pre-payments Norwegian has made, and the embattled airline will pay it a further EUR700,000 euros (USD850,000), the Irish Times reported.

The aircraft that Norwegian has on order at Airbus include fifty-eight A320-200Ns and thirty long-range A321-200NX(LR)s, according to the ch-aviation fleets advanced module. As previously reported, the airline has axed its long-haul business to focus on Nordic and European routes.

The jets were signed up for in a deal signed in 2012, for Airbus to deliver a total of 100 of them, but the agreement has been revised several times since then so that the company currently has 88 narrowbodies on the manufacturer’s books. Most recently, Norwegian’s asset-owning subsidiary Arctic Aviation Assets, which is also part of the examinership process, dropped five A320neo, a move reflected in Airbus’ September 2019 order book.

“We have agreed, judge, in the last short while, the terms of a consent order,” Norwegian’s lawyer Brian Kennedy told the court on February 24, as quoted by Reuters news agency.

Kennedy named the payments involved but did not specify the number of aircraft. A lawyer representing Airbus confirmed the agreement to the court.

According to the airline’s financial filings, Norwegian had pre-Covid contractual commitments to buy Airbus and Boeing (BOE, Chicago O'Hare) aircraft spanning from 2020 to 2027, totalling USD9.55 billion. But in June 2020, it unilaterally cancelled the Boeing orders, which were for ninety-two B737-8s and five B787-9s. Boeing has disputed the move.

Boeing is not currently involved in Norwegian’s examinership proceedings at all, Kennedy told the court. The US manufacturer “to date hasn’t engaged in the examinership process, or the Norwegian reconstruction [...]. It is not anticipated that Boeing will engage in either.”

According to the lawyer, Boeing wrote to an official overseeing the process in Norway on December 28 saying that neither it nor its affiliates would submit to the jurisdiction of Norwegian courts.

credit CH Aviation

Airbus Updates No.1886

MACQUARIE AIRFINANCE ORDERS 20 AIRBUS A320NEO AIRCRAFT

An affiliate of Macquarie AirFinance Group Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Macquarie Group Limited, listed in Australia, has placed a firm order for 20 A320neo aircraft to add to its existing portfolio of 119 Airbus aircraft (110 A320 Family and nine A330). This first time order for the A320neo, makes Macquarie AirFinance Group the newest customer for the type and re-enforces the appeal of the world’s bestselling single aisle Family.

Engine selection will be made at a later date.

Macquarie is one of the world’s largest Airbus lessors with airline customers globally particularly in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas.

Featuring the widest single aisle cabin in the sky, the efficient A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver more than 15 percent fuel and CO2 savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020 as well as 50 percent noise reduction. With more than 6,100 orders received from over 100 customers, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market

Airbus Updates No.1882

India's Vistara to add fifty A320neo Family jets, ten B787s

Vistara Airbus A320-200neo © Airbus

9 hours ago

Vistara (UK, Delhi Int'l) has committed to adding up to fifty A320neo Family and ten B787 jets to its fleet between 2019 and 2023.

The Indian full-service carrier said in a statement that it had signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Airbus for thirteen firm-ordered A320neo and A321neo, with options for an additional seven A320neo Family jets. In addition, Vistara will lease another thirty-seven A320neo Family jets from various lessors. With the ordered and leased aircraft together, Vistara will add a total of fifty A320neo Family aircraft to its fleet between 2019 and 2023 all of which will be powered by CFM International LEAP 1A engines.

"Vistara will use the aircraft to densify its domestic network and to support its international operations planned for later this year," it said.

Vistara's LOI with Boeing (BOE, Chicago O'Hare) comprises six firm-ordered B787-9s and purchase rights for four more B787 Family jets. The aircraft will be powered by General Electric GEnx-1B engines and are scheduled to be delivered between 2020 and 2021. The B787-9s are intended for use on medium-haul and long-haul international routes.

“India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing domestic aviation market and its impressive growth in air passenger traffic that has more than doubled over the last decade makes us confident of our aggressive plans for domestic expansion and international foray," Leslie Thng, CEO, Vistara, said.

A joint venture between India's Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, Vistara operates thirteen A320ceo and eight A320neo with a single outstanding A320neo due in September this year. It currently serves 23 cities and towns across India and is now preparing for its international debut.

Airbus Updates No.1198

Swiss International Air Lines orders up to 25 A320neo

Successful A320 operations expand with eco-efficient NEOs

17 SEPTEMBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Lufthansa Group’s supervisory board has announced that SWISS, a member-airline of the Group, will expand its A320 fleet with a firm order for 15 A320neo aircraft, plus an additional ten of the type to be confirmed at a later stage. The fuel-efficient NEO-fleet will gradually renew and replace SWISS’ existing fleet of A320 Family aircraft.

“Our decision to go with the cleanest, the most reliable and the most efficient belongs to the image of Switzerland, thus the A320neo was a natural fit with our modernization strategy,” says Nico Buchholz, Executive Vice President Lufthansa Group Fleet Management.

“We are delighted to welcome SWISS as a new customer for the A320neo and thank the Swiss Flag carrier for their continuous confidence in our products,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “For many years SWISS has successfully cashed in on all the economic and environmental benefits the A320 Family offers. The A320neo will be the hero in many chapters of SWISS’ success story well into the future. We are happy that our NEO-offering will enable SWISS to operate their routes even more efficiently with significantly reduced CO₂ and noise emissions.” 

SWISS is the national airline of Switzerland and with A319s, A320s, A321s, A330s and A340s in its fleet the carrier will be able to take maximum benefit from the unique commonality across the Airbus Family.

The A320neo – for “new engine option” – incorporates many innovations, including latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which together deliver 15 percent in fuel savings and a reduction of 3,600 tonnes of CO₂ per aircraft per year. With more than 3,250 orders received from 60 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured a solid 60 percent share of the market, clearly demonstrating its leadership.

Airbus Updates No.1188

Hong Kong Aviation Capital orders 70 A320neo Family aircraft

Lessor confirms strong market demand for the efficient A320neo Family

17 JULY 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Hong Kong Aviation Capital (HKAC), a fast growing aircraft leasing company based in Hong Kong, has signed a firm order with Airbus for a total of 70 A320neo Family aircraft (40 A320neo and 30 A321neo)

The contract was finalised at the 2014 Farnborough Airshow by Donal Boylan, CEO of HKAC and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. The agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the 2013 Paris Air Show.

“We are pleased to have finalised the order for 70 A320neo Family aircraft with Airbus. The green credentials of the NEO is one of the key factors for us to choose the aircraft and through reduced fuel burn and emissions, HKAC will enable its airline clients to reduce operating cost while improving their environment impact,” said Donal Boylan, CEO of HKAC. “In addition, the A321neo will enable operators to deliver reduced operating cost per seat, and better compete where airport slots are restricted,” added Donal Boylan.

“We are delighted to welcome Hong Kong Aviation Capital as a new customer for the NEO. It demonstrates the continuing confidence of the market in the world’s most popular and efficient single-aisle aircraft. The A320neo Family is a valuable and profitable asset for lessors and operators”, said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

The agreement will be submitted for confirmation of HKAC's majority shareholder, Bohai leasing. HKAC currently has a portfolio of over 50 single and twin aisle Airbus aircraft. It provides financing leasing services to several airlines in Asia and worldwide. This is HKAC's first direct order with any aircraft manufacturer. 

The A320neo “new engine option” incorporates many innovations, including latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which together deliver 15 percent in fuel savings and a reduction of 3,600 tonnes of CO2 per aircraft per year. With more than 3,000 orders received from more than 57 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent of the market, clearly demonstrating its leadership. 

Airbus Updates No.1186

IAG orders 20 A320neo Family aircraft

Aircraft are intended for operation by British Airways

14 JULY 2014 PRESS RELEASE

International Airlines Group (IAG) has converted 20 A320neo options into a firm order for the world’s most popular single aisle aircraft Family. These aircraft are currently intended to replace 21 shorthaul British Airways’ aircraft.

British Airways already operates 120 Airbus single aisle aircraft covering the full Family range from the smallest A318 to the largest A321.

“IAG’s’ selection of the A320neo Family for its single aisle fleet is a significant win for Airbus. It is with great pride that one of our biggest and most influential customers recognise the superior operating economics and passenger appeal of the A320neo Family,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “This order strengthens the A320neo Family as the single aisle aircraft of choice for the world’s leading airlines.”

The market leading A320 Family has the widest cabin of any single aisle aircraft for added passenger comfort and the neo adds productivity, 15 percent fuel savings and up to 950km added range.

The order by IAG sustains several thousand aviation jobs throughout the UK, where the wings are designed and assembled. It also contributes some £40million to the UK economy.

In August 2013, IAG announced that, as part of a Vueling order for up to 120 Airbus A320 family aircraft, it had also secured 100 A320neo options.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with more than 10,500 orders to date and over 6,100 aircraft delivered. Thanks to its widest cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer the industry’s best level of comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard.

To date, firm orders for the NEO have reached over 2,800 aircraft representing a 60 per cent share market share in its category.

Airbus Updates No.1179

AerCap firms up order for 50 A320neo Family aircraft

Strong appeal of fuel-efficient A320neo continues to attract lessors worldwide

14 JULY 2014 PRESS RELEASE

AerCap, the industry leading lessor headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, has firmed up an order for 50 additional A320neo Family aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow 2014. The contract, AerCap’s first major aircraft order following the acquisition of ILFC earlier this year, was signed by Philip Scruggs, AerCap’s President & Chief Commercial Officer and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. AerCap will announce its engine selection in due course.

Including today’s order for 50 A320neo aircraft, AerCap’s total order of A320neo aircraft rises to 200 and its total orders of Airbus aircraft rises to 945. Following the lessor’s acquisition of ILFC, AerCap becomes Airbus’ largest customer overall, both in number and value of aircraft purchased.

AerCap’s CEO Aengus Kelly said: “The A320neo family is proving to be enormously successful. AerCap has already placed 48 A320neo aircraft under lease agreement or letter of intent, so our decision to firm up for 50 additional A320neo Family aircraft is a natural extension of our fleet strategy.”

“We are honoured that AerCap has selected our popular A320neo for its first major aircraft investment since the acquisition of ILFC earlier this year,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President & CEO. “It’s always great news when our valued customers come back for more of our aircraft and is clear confirmation that our products are satisfying operators’ needs thanks to the A320neo’s best-in-class cabin comfort, unbeatable economics and excellent operational reliability.”

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with more than 10,500 orders to date and over 6,100 aircraft delivered. Thanks to its wide cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer the industry’s best level of comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard.  The newest member of the A320 Family, the A320neo, incorporates new generation engines and Sharklets (wing tip devices) which together deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. At the end of June 2014, firm orders for the NEO reached over 2,800 aircraft from 55 customers, representing a 60 per cent market share in its category.

Airbus Updates No.1167

Air New Zealand selects A320neo Family to modernise single aisle fleet

A321neo and A320neo maximises flexibility, efficiency and range

1 JUNE 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Following Air New Zealand’s 2009 order for A320 Family aircraft, the airline has selected the added efficiency and performance of the NEO with an order for three A321neo, 10 A320neo and one additional A320ceo aircraft. The agreement marks the first time Air New Zealand has ordered the larger A321 aircraft and the NEO. Engine selection and cabin configuration will be made at a later date.

The A321 is the largest member of the A320 Family offering the best seat mile costs of any single aisle. The A320 Family fuselage is seven inches wider than competing aircraft and with a cargo hold designed for industry standard containers and pallets.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the purchase confirms the airline’s intention to have an Airbus narrow body fleet. “Operating one narrow body aircraft type will bring important efficiencies in training, maintenance and operating costs.  The new Airbus NEO will help ensure we continue to operate one of the world’s youngest jet fleets and will further drive fuel efficiency allowing us to minimise our carbon footprint.”

“The NEO offers even further gains – a 15 per cent fuel burn reduction or up to 950 kilometres added range, and significantly reduced noise. Passengers appreciate the A320 Family has the widest and most comfortable cabin, and this re-order is proof that it also offers unmatched performance and productivity,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with more than 10,200 orders to date and over 6,000 aircraft delivered. The latest version A320neo incorporates new engines and "Sharklet" wing tip devices which together deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. At the end of April 2014, firm orders for the NEO reached over 2,700 aircraft from 50 customers, representing a 60 per cent share market share in its category.

Airbus Updates No.1132

Kuwait Airways to buy ten A350-900 and fifteen A320neo Family aircraft

Fleet development based on the super-efficient A350 XWB and A320 Families

9 DECEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Kuwait Airways, the National airline of Kuwait, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to buy ten A350-900 and fifteen A320neo Family aircraft. The order is part of Kuwait Airways’ fleet renewal strategy. The carrier already operates three A320, three A310, five A300 and four A340 Family aircraft.

“The Airbus Family is the ideal choice for an airline like ours,” said Kuwait Airways acting Chairman Mr Jassar Al Jassar. “The A350-900 will strengthen our long haul route development whilst the A320neo will further boost our regional route network. These aircraft are an essential part of our ambitious growth plans.”

“It’s great to see our long-standing customer Kuwait Airways, building its future with our newest, most efficient aircraft families,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “In choosing the A320neo and A350 XWB, Kuwait Airways will offer its passengers the industry’s best-in-class cabin experience on both long and short haul routes, flying them comfortably in the widest seats in all classes.”

The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 Family and incorporates new more efficient engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. At the end of November 2013, firm orders for the NEO stood at 2,523 from 45 customers, making it the fastest selling commercial airliner ever and underlining its market leadership position.

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions. The new Family, whose fuselage cross-section is optimized to accommodate Airbus’ 18-inch economy seat-width for long range passenger comfort, will also bring a 25 percent step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, the A350 XWB has already won 814 firm orders from 39 customers worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1130

VivaAerobus places Latin America’s biggest Airbus aircraft order

Mexican low-cost airline to renew fleet with order for 52 A320 Family aircraft

21 OCTOBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE

The VivaAerobus Group has signed a purchase agreement for 52 Airbus A320 Family aircraft (40 A320neo and 12 A320ceo), representing the biggest Airbus aircraft order by a single airline in Latin American history. VivaAerobus, a Mexican low-cost carrier, will announce the engine selection at a later date.

VivaAerobus, part-owned by IAMSA, one of Mexico’s largest transportation companies, and Irelandia Aviation, a global low-cost-carrier airline developer, will replace its entire fleet of 737-300 to become an all-Airbus carrier by 2016. VivaAerobus has been a pioneer in Mexico’s ’Bus to Air’ model, which is an initiative to convert bus passengers to air travellers.

The new A320 Family is key to VivaAerobus’ domestic and international network expansion plans. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft, making it a perfect match for VivaAerobus.

“After evaluating the latest aircraft technology with the objective of further reducing our costs, improving our reliability, punctuality and the overall passenger experience, today we are proud to announce that the Airbus A320 has been our final choice. This is an important milestone for our customers, shareholders and staff,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, VivaAerobus CEO. “This decision will support our growth strategy, as it will allow us to further reduce our industry leading fares, and will increase the cost-per-seat advantage we currently have among our competitors.”

“We are very proud to welcome VivaAerobus to the Airbus family,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers. “The A320 Family offers the best productivity, the lowest operating costs, the fastest turnarounds and best fuel efficiency of any single-aisle aircraft. It also offers the widest and most comfortable cabin. The unbeatable economics has made the NEO the single aisle aircraft of choice among leading operators worldwide.”

The A320 Family has the lowest seat-mile costs of any single-aisle aircraft and offers a wider cabin than competing single-aisle products, enabling wider seats, a wider aisle and more personal space. The A320neo’s new engines and large wingtip devices known as Sharklets together result in a 15 percent fuel-burn reduction. To date, more than 9,900 A320s have been ordered and almost 5,800 delivered to nearly 390 customers and operators.

More than 500 Airbus aircraft are in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, with more than 800 aircraft sold and a backlog of nearly 400 yet to be delivered. In the last 10 years, Airbus has tripled its in-service fleet, while delivering more than 60 per cent of all aircraft operating in the region.

Airbus Updates No.1074

easyJet firms up order for 100 A320neo and 35 A320ceo aircraft

Fleet development based on the super-efficient A320 Family

11 JULY 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Following its shareholders’ approval, easyJet has firmed up the purchase of 135 Airbus A320 family aircraft (100 A320neos and 35 A320ceos). The initial agreement was announced earlier in June.

The agreement was concluded following a thorough technical and economical evaluation.

“We are delighted that the easyJet board has now confirmed the order. The A320 Family aircraft have the tallest and widest cabin of any single aisle aircraft for added passenger space and comfort. Operationally, the NEO is without doubt the most productive and fuel efficient aircraft available,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer-Customers.

The A320 offers the best productivity, the lowest operating costs, the fastest turnarounds, and best fuel efficiency of any single aisle aircraft in the 180 seat sector.

The order by easyJet sustains nearly 2,500 jobs as well as some 7,500 in the extended supply chain in the UK.

easyJet operates one of Europe’s most extensive route networks, and is the UK’s largest airline, carrying 55 million passenger a year. In addition, easyJet is also the largest A320 Family customer and operator in Europe.

The A320 Family is the world’s most successful with over 9,500 ordered and over 5,600 delivered to over 380 

Airbus Updates No.1069

Tunisia’s Syphax Airlines orders the A320neo and the A320ceo

First NEO breakthrough in Africa

4 JULY 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Syphax Airlines, a new Tunisian based airline, has confirmed its order to buy three A320neo. The order is the first time an African based carrier has ordered the NEO and marks a significant breakthrough for Airbus in one of the world’s fastest developing markets.  Syphax have also ordered three A320ceo aircraft. The aircraft will be powered by CFM engines.

“Syphax Airlines is focused on continuing to grow its Tunisian, North Africa and Europe routes, and an expansion of its network to Asia and North America, through its hubs in Tunis and Sfax while offering passengers a luxurious service,” said Syphax Chairman and Director General, Mohamed Frikha. “Adding the A320neo to our fleet means we can achieve all of these goals while benefitting from a 15 percent fuel saving and cost effectiveness.”

“We thank Syphax Airlines for their confidence in Airbus and for being the first African carrier to place an order for our NEO aircraft,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We’re looking forward to seeing Syphax’s A320neo aircraft operating seamlessly alongside their current A320 fleet, delivering to them savings through reduced maintenance and pilot training costs as a result of the high degree of commonality between the aircraft models.”

The airline already operates 2 A319 and 3 A320 aircraft and will shortly commence operating a leased A330-200.

The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 Family and incorporates new more efficient engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. At the end of June 2013, firm orders for the NEO stood at 2245 from 40 customers, making it the fastest selling commercial airliner ever and underlining its market leadership position with close to 60 per cent market share.

Airbus Updates No.1063

Nepal Airlines firms up two Airbus A320 with Sharklets

Unique performance capabilities for high altitude airport operations

1 JULY 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Nepal’s national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has signed a firm order for two Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreed in April.

The A320 was chosen for its unique performance capability required for high altitude airport operations and its flexibility that enables it to be deployed on a wide variety of routes. Equipped with Sharklets to deliver unbeatable economics and up to four percent reduction in fuel burn, the aircraft will be the cornerstone of NAC’s modernised fleet.

“Nepal is a landlocked nation, and aviation is our window to the world. It welcome explorers, trekkers and pleasure seekers, cultural and ecological visitors and its importance cannot be over stated for our country. Our new A320s with Sharklets will help us to increase capacity, capitalise on the growth in tourism,” said Madan Kharel, Managing Director, Nepal Airlines Corporation.

For a landlocked nation like Nepal, our agile and high performance A320 Family aircraft are a lifeline and economic driver for prosperity. On top, our Sharklets deliver up to four per cent savings in fuel burn, which is a great advantage for any carrier,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We are delighted to welcome Nepal Airlines as our newest customer.”

Nepal Airlines currently flies to four international destinations and 25 spectacular domestic locations in the heart of the Himalayas. The new A320s are fully equipped with latest Required Navigation Performance (RNP) technologies, allowing the aircraft to fly precisely along predefined routes using state-of-the-art onboard navigation systems. This is particularly benefitial for operations at high altitude airports which are constrained by mountains such as the carrier’s main base in Kathmandu.

The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Nearly 9,500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold to more than 380 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner ever. 

Airbus Updates No.1049

Hong Kong Aviation Capital signs for 60 A320neo Family aircraft

Aircraft financier confident in market demand for efficient NEO

20 JUNE 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Hong Kong Aviation Capital (HKAC), a fast growing aircraft leasing company based in Hong Kong, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the purchase of 40  A320neo and 20 A321neo aircraft. The agreement was signed at the Paris Air Show by Donal Boylan, CEO of HKAC and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. 

 “All of our business over the last two years has been sale and lease backs of Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft. We are proud to now extend this relationship directly with Airbus, and in particular to participate in the already proven success of the A320 NEO order book. This is our first direct order with any aircraft manufacturer and our first commitment for the A320 NEO” said Donal Boylan, CEO of HKAC.  

“We are delighted to have HKAC as our new customer for the NEO, the world’s best selling single-aisle aircraft. This demonstrates the continuing confidence of the market in Airbus’ modern, fuel efficient aircraft which brings benefits to our customers in terms of profitability,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We hope to grow our long term partnership with HKAC in the future.”

HKAC is a Hong Kong based lessor which currently has a portfolio of over 50 Airbus aircraft. It has provided financing leasing services to several airlines in Asia and worldwide. It’s the first time for HKAC to directly place orders with any aircraft manufacturer. 

The A320neo incorporates new more fuel efficient engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. 

Airbus Updates No.1045

Tunisia’s Syphax Airlines orders the A320neo and the A320ceo

First NEO breakthrough in Africa

18 JUNE 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Syphax Airlines, a new Tunisian based airline, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to buy three A320neo. The order is the first time an African based carrier has ordered the NEO and marks a significant breakthrough for Airbus in one of the world’s fastest developing markets.  Syphax have also ordered three A320ceo aircraft. The aircraft will be powered by CFM engines.

“Syphax Airlines is focused on continuing to grow its Tunisian, North Africa and Europe routes, and an expansion of its network to Asia and North America, through its hubs in Tunis and Sfax while offering passengers a luxurious service,” said Syphax Chairman and Director General, Mohamed Frikha. “Adding the A320neo to our fleet means we can achieve all of these goals while benefitting from a 15 percent fuel saving and cost effectiveness.”

“We thank Syphax Airlines for their confidence in Airbus and for being the first African carrier to place an order for our NEO aircraft,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We’re looking forward to seeing Syphax’s A320neo aircraft operating seamlessly alongside their current A320 fleet, delivering to them savings through reduced maintenance and pilot training costs as a result of the high degree of commonality between the aircraft models.”

The airline already operates 2 A319 and 3 A320 aircraft and will shortly commence operating a leased A330-200.

The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 Family and incorporates new more efficient engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. At the end of May 2013, firm orders for the NEO stood at 2125 from 40 customers, making it the fastest selling commercial airliner ever and underlining its market leadership position with close to 60 per cent market share.