Airbus Updates No.1119

Sichuan Airlines takes delivery of its first A321 with Sharklets

Captures growth with larger, eco-efficient single-aisle model

27 SEPTEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Sichuan Airlines, the largest all Airbus operator in China, has taken delivery of its first A321 aircraft equipped with Sharklets fuel saving wing tip devices. It will also be the first A321 with Sharklets to be operated in China. The A321, powered by IAE V2500 engines, features a comfortable two class cabin, seating 194 passengers with 8 in business class and 186 in economy.

Sichuan Airlines is China’s largest all Airbus operator. It introduced an A320 in 1995 to become the first Chinese airline to operate an Airbus fly-by-wire aircraft. It was also the first airline to operate Airbus A321 in China. In 2009, the airline received the first A320 assembled at the Airbus Tianjin Final Assembly. Thanks to the unique commonality between Airbus aircraft, the airline was able to smoothely expand its fleet to larger and more fuel-efficient models. With the introduction of this A321 with Sharklets, the airline is able to further increase its capacity to meet the growing demand for air travel in China, particularly in the southwestern part of the country, where its hub is based.

By the end of August 2013, Sichuan Airlines operates a fleet of six A330s and 75 A320 Family aircraft.

The A321 is the largest member of the best-selling single aisle A320 Family. Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. They are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft and standard on all members of the new A320neo family. They offer operators up to four per cent fuel burn reduction on longer range sectors and provide the flexibility of either adding an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, over 9,800 aircraft have been ordered and more than 5,700 delivered to more than 385 customers and operators worldwide. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft. 

Airbus Updates No.1107

Finnair receives world’s first A321 with Sharklets

Launch customer to operate an all Airbus fleet

6 SEPTEMBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Finnish national carrier, Finnair, the launch customer for the A321 equipped with Sharklets, has taken delivery of its first of five aircraft on order. The aircraft will eventually replace Finnair’s existing fleet of 757s, making it an all Airbus operator. The aircraft was officially handed over to Ville Iho, Finnair Chief Operating Officer, during a delivery ceremony at the Airbus facilities in Hamburg, Germany.

“We are extremely proud to receive the world’s first A321 equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices. This new aircraft will fit perfectly into our fleet and will contribute to optimizing our operating costs, whilst also reducing our environmental footprint.” said Ville Iho, Finnair Chief Operating Officer.

‘’We share a long-standing relationship with Finnair and are delighted that the airline has decided to build its future with an all Airbus fleet. With the Sharklet equipped A321, Finnair will benefit from lower operating costs, extended range, and better fuel efficiency. Thanks to the widest cabin of any single aisle aircraft on the market, the A321 also offers passengers more space and comfort,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers.

Finnair will take delivery of a total of five Sharklet equipped A321s. It currently operates an Airbus fleet of 40 aircraft (25 A320 family aircraft and 15 A330s/A340s). Finnair was the first airline to commit to the A350 XWB with a total of 11 aircraft on order.

The A321 is the largest member of the best-selling single aisle A320 Family. The Family has the lowest seat mile costs of any single aisle aircraft and with the widest cabin in its sector, it has wider seats, a wider aisle, more personal space and better comfort in all classes.

To date, more than 9,800 aircraft from the Family have been ordered and over 5,700 delivered to more than 390 customers and operators worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1092

Philippine Airlines takes delivery of first A321

Carrier adds capacity with comfort on largest model of A320 Family

7 AUGUST 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321. The aircraft was handed over at the Airbus delivery centre in Hamburg, Germany yesterday and is the first of 64 new Airbus aircraft ordered by the airline in 2012 under a major fleet modernisation programme. These include 44 single aisle A321s and 20 widebody A330s.

Philippine Airlines has specified a two class layout for its A321s, with 12 seats in Business Class and 187 in Economy. The airline will operate its new A321s primarily on international routes across the Asian region, as well as on selected domestic flights.

“We are excited about the A321 not only because its size fit our expansion plans, but the flexibility it gives us in matching the aircraft to specific route requirements is tremendous,” said Ramon Ang, President and CEO, Philippine Airlines. “With the A321 we will be able to add capacity without compromising comfort, offering our passengers a choice between full premium class and a great range of value fares.”

“The addition of the A321 to the PAL fleet reflects a general move towards larger aircraft types in all the various size categories – including the single aisle market,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus. “With the A321 PAL will benefit from the additional seat count and unbeatable operating costs offered by the aircraft, while offering its passengers a great in-flight experience. We are sure that the A321 will be a winner for the airline, enabling it to compete even more effectively in the fast-growing Asian market.”

The A321 joins an Airbus fleet at Philippine Airlines that already includes 22 A320 Family aircraft flying on domestic and regional routes, as well as nine in service with its budget subsidiary PAL Express. The carrier also operates eight widebody A330s on higher capacity routes across Asia and seven A340-300s on its longest services to the United States.  

Following the introduction of the A321, Philippine Airlines will take delivery of the first of its 20 new A330s in the third quarter of the year. The carrier is also currently adding four A340-300s to its fleet for deployment on new non-stop services to Europe, scheduled to begin next month.

The A321 is the largest member of the best-selling single aisle A320 Family which has the lowest seat mile costs of any single aisle aircraft. As with other members of the A320 Family, the aircraft offers a wider cabin than competing single aisle products, enabling wider seats, a wider aisle and more personal space.

To date, more than 9,800 aircraft from the Family have been ordered and over 5,600 delivered to more than 385 customers and operators worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1077

UTair takes delivery of its first Airbus A321

UTair takes delivery of its first Airbus A321

The airline to benefit from fuel efficiency and lower operating costs

18 JULY 2013 PRESS RELEASE

UTair, one of Russia’s leading carriers, took delivery of its first Airbus aircraft. The brand-new A321 was handed over at a ceremony held at Airbus in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft is part of a firm order for 20 A321s signed by UTair in July 2012, which is today the largest single order for this type in Russia. 

‪UTair’s A321, powered by CFM56 engines, features a single-class cabin layout seating 220 passengers. The airline is planning to operate its A321s to further develop its high density route network. 

‪“This delivery demonstrates our intention to keep up high growth rates and strengthen our position amongst leading Russian airlines. The A321 is part of our fleet modernisation programme and is fully in line with the company’s strategy on improving service, ensuring high level of reliability and network development,” said Andrey Martirosov, UTair CEO.

‪"We are happy to welcome UTair as a new Airbus operator and confident that today’s event will pave the way for a strong long-term partnership. UTair will undoubtedly benefit from the A321’s unbeatable economics, while passengers will appreciate the widest cabin of any single aisle aircraft family," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

There are currently about 260 Airbus aircraft in operation at 11 Russian carriers. UTair, one of the most dynamic Russian carriers, was founded in 1967. The airline operates a fleet of some 180 aircraft to over 60 domestic and 40 international destinations.  

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To date, over 9,600 aircraft have been ordered and over 5,600 delivered to more than 385 customers and operators worldwide. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft.