Airbus Updates No.4679

 

China Eastern Airlines to buy 25 Airbus A330neo jets for list price of $9.4 billion

HONG KONG/PARIS, June 26 (Reuters) - China Eastern Airlines said on Friday it plans to buy 25 A330neo jets from Airbus for a catalogue price of about $9.35 billion, as the Chinese carrier expands its widebody fleet to serve more international routes.

The aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in batches from 2029 to 2033, China Eastern said in a filing to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, adding that the two companies signed the purchase agreement in Shanghai earlier in the day.

China Eastern said in the filing that the catalogue price of $9.35 billion is based on Airbus's January 2025 list prices and the actual transaction price would be lower, with the airline securing a discount more favourable than in previous purchases from the European planemaker. Large discounts are standard practice when airlines place sizeable orders with planemakers.

The Shanghai-based airline said the widebody jets would primarily be deployed from Shanghai Pudong Airport to expand intercontinental destinations and increase flight frequencies, bolstering the hub's role as a transfer centre for long-haul routes.

The deal comes months after China Eastern in March signed a separate agreement with Airbus to purchase 101 A320neo aircraft at a list price of about $15.8 billion, as major Chinese airlines point to ​a renewed focus on international expansion as a key growth driver.

It also comes as Airbus steps up efforts to expand its share in the world's second-largest aviation market, where it expects passenger traffic to grow by around 5% annually over the next two decades.

Reuters has reported the European planemaker has been in on-off negotiations in recent years to secure a huge order of up to 500 jets in China -- a type of package often tied to state visits -- but no deal was announced when French President Emmanuel Macron visited China in December.

The A330neo is an upgraded fuel-efficient version of the previous-generation Airbus A330 long-haul jet, featuring high-aspect-ratio wings and improved aerodynamics. It is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. 

China Eastern expects at least 10 of its older A330 jets to be retired on age grounds during the delivery period, meaning the new planes will partly serve as replacements.

The deal would be funded through a mix of the carrier's own capital, bank loans, bond issuances and other financing instruments. China Eastern said the phased payment structure was not expected to have a material impact on its cash flow or operations.

In a separate filing, China Eastern said one offshore unit would issue an overseas bond worth up to 2.8 billion yuan ($411.89 million), without specifying the use of proceeds.

Airbus Updates No.4514

Malaysia Airlines to add more Airbus A330-900s

Airbus was able to note down another order for new aircraft during the visit of Malaysia's Prime Minister to France. This time, the manufacturer signed a deal with state carrier Malaysia Airlines for more A330-900s. The carrier is doubling its commitment to the type by ordering another 20. Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2029 and 2031.

Malaysia Airlines placed its first order for twenty A330-900s back in 2022. Ten were directly ordered with Airbus, the other ten are leased from Avolon. The airline took delivery of its first A330-900 in November 2024 and currently has four in service. They are deployed from Kuala Lumpur to Auckland, Denpasar and Melbourne.

Airbus Updates No.4473

 Saudia Group unveils A330neo order for flyadeal

On 23 April 2025, the Saudia Group and Airbus held a signing ceremony in Toulouse in which the group disclosed an order for ten A330-900s for its flyadeal low-cost subsidiary. The order was booked in January of this year and was in the books as "undisclosed".

The deal marks the first widebody-order for flyadeal and has been in the planning for a while. In October 2024, Scramble reported on the widebody plans and that the company was deciding between the A330-900 and the Boeing B787.

Flyadeal currently operates a fleet of eleven A320s and 27 A320neos. It also currently wet-leases a single A330-200 from GullivAir and an A330-300 from Air Anka. The LCC also has open orders with Airbus for 54 A321neos.

Airbus Updates No.4405

Malaysia Airlines takes delivery of 1st A330neo

On 28 November 2024, Malaysia Airlines took delivery of its first Airbus A330neo. It was handed-over during a special ceremony at Toulouse-Blagnac. The aircraft, A330-941 9M-MNG (2020), flew non-stop to Kuala Lumpur. Here, it was welcomed by a Sukhoi Su-30 escort of the air force and together they conducted a fly-pass over the airport before landing.

Malaysia Airlines has orders for twenty A330-900s. Ten of these, including this one, are leased via Avolon. The other ten have been ordered directly with Airbus. The airline is planning to utilize its new widebody-aircraft as a replacement of its current fleet of A330s and will deploy them to destinations in Asia and Australia.

The fleet of Malaysia Airlines is now made-up of nine A330-200s, fifteen A330-300s, a single A330-900, seven A350-900s, 42 Boeing B737-800s, and four B737-8s.

Photo by Airbus.

Airbus Updates No.4369

T'Way Air leases Airbus A330neos

South Korean low-cost airline T'Way Air has announced it has signed a lease-agreement with Avolon to lease five Airbus A330-900s. The aircraft come from the lessors existing orderbook for the type.

Deliveries of the new A330neos is scheduled to begin in 2026 and will be used to facilitate the airline's international growth.

T'Way, which was founded in 2004, currently has a fleet that is made-up of four A330-200s, three A330-300s, 27 Boeing B737-800s, and two B737-8s.

Illustration by T'Way Air.

Airbus Updates No.4340

Cathay Pacific selects Airbus A330neo

On 7 August 2024, Airbus and the Cathay Group announced it has agreed on a deal for the A330-900 as part of the group's fleet renewal programme. Cathay has placed a firm order for 30 aircraft, with options on another 30.

Deliveries of the new widebodies is set to take place between 2028 and 2031. The airline will use them to replace its current fleet of 43 A330-300s.

Cathay Pacific's-fleet further consists of twelve A321neos, 30 A350-900s, 18 A350-1000s, six Boeing B747-400Fs, fourteen B747-8Fs, seventeen B777-300s, and 37 B777-300ERs.

Next to its new A330-900-order, the Cathay Group has open orders with Airbus for eight A320neos, 36 A321neos, and six A350Fs. With Boeing, the Group has open orders for 21 B777-9s.

Airbus Updates No.4327

 

Virgin Atlantic orders seven additional A330neo aircraft to complete fleet transformation

Farnborough, United Kingdom, 23 July 2024 – Virgin Atlantic has placed a firm order for seven A330neo aircraft as part of its wider fleet transformation. The agreement takes Virgin Atlantic’s commitment for the A330neo to 19 aircraft in total, providing improved economics.

The order was announced during the Farnborough Airshow onboard Virgin Atlantic’s A330neo, named ‘Ruby Rebel’, and registered as GB-VSRB after founder Sir Richard Branson, to celebrate the airline's 40th anniversary. 

Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic said, “Today, we complete our multi-billion-dollar fleet transformation, with the purchase of seven additional A330-900s, which we know our customers and our people love to fly. Flying the youngest fleet is the most readily available and significant lever towards decarbonising long-haul aviation and we are proud to already operate one of the youngest and most fuel and carbon efficient fleets across the Atlantic.”

“Our special partnership with Airbus began with the arrival of ‘Lady in Red’ in 1993, with our most recent arrival, ‘Ruby Rebel’, arriving to mark our 40th birthday this year. Virgin Atlantic has flown more than 60 Airbus tails in the last three decades. While not first to the party, they’ve been our main dance partner, making our customers smile ever since.”

Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer said, “We are grateful for Virgin Atlantic’s decision to expand its A330neo fleet as part of its strategy to have the youngest fleet across the Atlantic. The A330neo not only delivers unbeatable operational seat mile cost and an exceptional passenger experience, it also greatly enhances Virgin Atlantic’s fleet efficiency and contributes to their sustainability journey. We look forward to continuing this smooth and successful collaboration for many years to come."

The A330neo features the award-winning Airspace cabin, which offers passengers a unique passenger experience, high level of comfort, ambience, and design. This includes more individual space, enlarged overhead bins, a new lighting system and access to the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems.

Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 is capable of flying 7,200 nm / 13,300 km non-stop. At the end of June 2024, the A330 Family had accumulated 1,798 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide, including 319 A330neo from 30 customers.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330 family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The manufacturer is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

Airbus Updates No.4262

2nd Team USA Airbus for Delta

On 10 April 2024, the second Delta Airbus wearing the special Team USA-livery took to the skies for the very first time.

This time, it's an A350-900, currently registered as F-WZGU (661). It will become N521DN once delivered.

Delta Air Lines is sponsoring the US Olympic and Paralympic Team since 2020 and is also one of the official sponsors for the Olympic Games of 2028 in Los Angeles (CA).

The first aircraft wearing the Team USA-livery was A330-900 N411DX (1991), which was delivered to the airline on 28 May 2021.

Later this year, Delta will also take delivery of an A350-900 with a special LA 2028-livery, bringing the total number of special Olympic-livery aircraft to three.

Photo by Clément Alloing via Twitter.

Airbus Updates No.4261

 

Brazil’s Azul ends Airbus A350 operations

Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras (AD, São Paulo Viracopos) has ferried its last A350-900 out of Brazil, putting an end to the type's brief stint at the carrier, ch-aviation research has revealed.

PR-AOY (msn 168) flew from São Paulo Viracopos to Fort Lauderdale International on Tuesday, April 9 under flight number AD9840, which is only used for ferry operations and was last deployed when the airline retired its other A350, PR-AOW (now HS-THY, msn 124), flying it to San Bernardino, according to Flightradar24 ADS-B data.

The Brazilian carrier operated the A350-900 type between September 2022 and January 2024. The original plan was for the model to be part of its fleet renewal plan and replace its A330-200s, chief executive John Rodgerson said in September 2022.

However, one year later, Azul moved away from the A350 and instead focused on the A330-900N, placing an order for four aircraft of the type in June 2023. CFO Alexandre Malfitani said at the time that with the A330neo operating and on order, “we will standardise our international fleet.”

ch-aviation has reached out to Azul for comment.

PR-AOY is owned and managed by AerCap, the ch-aviation fleets module shows. HS-THY, owned by the same lessor, is under maintenance at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and will enter into service for Thai Airways International (TG, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi).

Azul’s fleet now comprises 166 aircraft: forty-nine A320-200Ns, six A321-200NX(LR)s, four A330-200s, five A330-900Ns (with nine more coming), thirty-seven ATR72-600s, two B737-400(F)s, forty-three E195s, and twenty E195-E2s. Regional subsidiary Azul Conecta (2F, Jundiaí) operates a fleet of twenty-four Cessna Aircraft Company Grand Caravan turboprops.

Airbus Updates No.4233

 

VietJet signs MOU for Airbus A330-900s

On 22 February 2024, during the third day of the Singapore Air Show, Airbus and VietJet announced both companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an order for the A330-900. Once firmed, the order will be for 20 aircraft with deliveries starting in 2026.

The low-cost airline is planning to use the new aircraft to replace its current fleet of seven A330-300s and to expand its widebody and long-haul operations. Next to the A330s, VietJet is operating a fleet of 30 A320s, 42 A321s, and 25 A321neos.

It also has open orders with Airbus for 87 A321neos, 20 A321XLRs, and with Boeing for 50 B737-8s and 100 B737-8200s.

Airbus Updates No.4178

 

Azul Linhas Aéreas discloses incremental order for four A330neos

São Paulo, 15 December 2023 – Azul discloses a firm order for four additional A330-900 from a purchase agreement signed in June 2023. With these aircraft, the airline will expand its fleet and international route offering.

“We are proud to announce this order, as it confirms Azul as the airline with the most fuel- efficient fleet in the region, with over 80% of our capacity coming from next-generation aircraft. With the five A330neos we currently operate and the seven we now have on order, we will standardize our international fleet, allowing us to further enhance Azul’s renowned customer experience and on-time performance,” said Alexandre Malfitani, Azul’s Chief Financial Officer.

“Azul’s re-confirmed confidence in the A330neo underscores once again, that the A330neo's economics and performance are making a true difference in Azul’s widebody strategy, coming out on top of the competition," says Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. "While Azul will leverage the full potential of Airbus' unique commonality between its A330 and A320 Family fleets, passengers can rave about a spacious, best-in-class cabin experience - and this on every long-haul flight the airline offers on its attractive, globally growing network.”

The A330neo is Airbus’ latest widebody aircraft. Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 is capable of flying 7,200 nm / 13,300 km non-stop. At the end of November 2023, the A330 Family had accumulated over 1,800 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide, making it the world’s most popular widebody family, dominating the short-and medium-haul widebody market.

The A330neo features the award-winning Airspace cabin, which offers passengers a high level of comfort, ambience, and design. This includes more individual space, enlarged overhead bins, a new lighting system and access to the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems.

Azul Linhas Aereas launched operations in 2008 and has since grown to become one of the largest airlines in Brazil by servicing more than 160 destinations within Brazil, the United States, Europe and South America. Azul received the Americas’ first A330neo in 2019 and operates 12 A330 Family aircraft. 

Airbus has sold over 1,150 aircraft in Latin America and the Caribbean. More than 750 are in operation throughout the region, with around 500 in the order backlog, representing a market share of 58% of in-service passenger aircraft. Since 1994, Airbus has secured 75% of net orders in the region.

Airbus Updates No.4142

 

Malaysia Airlines' A330neo delivery timeline intact

Malaysia Airlines Airbus A330-900© Airbus

07.11.2023 - 03:53 UTC

Delivery of the first A330-900Ns to Malaysia Airlines (MH, Kuala Lumpur International) remains on track to start in September 2024, according to Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) Managing Director Izham Ismail. He also says Malaysia Airlines will issue a request for proposal (RFP) for 20 narrowbody aircraft in the first quarter of 2024 and warns he won't necessarily stick with the carrier's long-term narrowbody aircraft manufacturer.

Speaking at an aviation conference in Kuala Lumpur last week, Ismail confirmed the delivery timelines of the twenty A330-900Ns acquired through Avolon, and first announced in August 2022, remains largely unchanged. "If we stick to our long-term business plan until 2030, we should have at least 55 widebody aircraft by 2028," he said. According to ch-aviation fleets advanced data, Malaysia Airlines' passenger-configured widebody fleet now comprises six A330-200s, fifteen A330-300s, and six A350-900s. Ismail also confirmed that Malaysia Airlines had options to order another twenty A330-900Ns and was likely to decide on that in 2024.

In the same presentation, Ismail said he would issue the narrowbody RFP early next year as part of the second stage of the airline's narrowbody fleet renewal program, with deliveries planned through 2028. In early 2022, as part of the first stage of the narrowbody renewal program, MAG ordered twenty-five B737-8s from Air Lease Corporation, with deliveries through 2026. Malaysia Airlines currently operates forty-two B737-800s, but Ismail hopes to increase the narrowbody fleet size to 60 narrowbodies by 2030.

"We’re agnostic of the aircraft type after what we have gone through in the last few months (with Boeing)," Ismail said. "We’re open to (the) A220. To a certain extent, what’s wrong with COMAC? If the fleet meets our mission, vision and aspiration and is commercially favourable to MAG, we’ll go with the aircraft type.”

Ismail's reference to Boeing concerns delays with the first B737-8s. Malaysia Airlines was expecting its first deliveries earlier this year. "I am very disappointed with the delivery progress of our B737-8 aircraft," he said. "Contractually, we were supposed to receive seven aircraft this year, but the revised contract would see four. But as we speak, I honestly don't know when the aircraft are coming. It has been delayed for the last two and a half months."

Airbus Updates No.4136

 Condor places orders for additional A330-900s

Condor has decided to order additional A330-900s with Airbus. On 26 October 2023, the airline announced it has ordered three additional aircraft, which are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027.

With this latest order, Condor has now ordered and secured leases for a total of 21 A330-900s. So far, ten of these have been delivered to the airline. Next to these, Condor's fleet exists of 21 A321s, eleven A321s, five A330-200s, nine Boeing B757-300s, and four B767-300ERs.

Airbus Updates No.4024

 

Avolon sells 13 Airbus aircraft to Saudi-funded lessor AviLease

© Tis Meyer (PlanePics.org)

07.06.2023 - 01:34 UTC

AviLease, a lessor fully owned by the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund Public Investment Fund (PIF), will acquire 13 aircraft from Ireland-based but Chinese-owned leasing firm Avolon, the latter’s parent Bohai Leasing outlined in a Shanghai Stock Exchange filing.

Avolon will divest six A320neo and two A330neo as a direct sale through a number of its special purpose vehicles; two A321ceo through trustee Wells Fargo Trust Co. NA; and one A321neo, one A320ceo, and one B737 MAX by transferring these assets’ income rights and interests.

The May 31 filing said that the market price for the 13 aircraft with leases is about USD730 million and that the actual sale price will be determined through negotiations between the two parties on this basis. The exact aircraft types were not disclosed.

As for the purpose of selling the assets, Bohai Leasing said in the Shanghai disclosure: “This transaction is conducive to [Avolon’s] maintenance of a young fleet size, and it helps to optimise the company’s aircraft asset structure, improve the quality of its fleet assets, and enhance its competitiveness in the global aircraft leasing market. It will also help to improve the company’s 2023 annual performance and have a positive impact on its 2023 annual profit.”

AviLease said in a separate statement that with this acquisition its aircraft portfolio will reach 45 aircraft. Launched in July 2022 as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy, together with plans to start new national carrier Riyadh Air (RXI, Riyadh), AviLease’s first customer was flynas (XY, Riyadh), and the leasing start-up’s chief executive, Edward O’Byrne, said at the time that given the PIF’s financial involvement, the firm has global ambitions.

So far, AviLease’s dealings have been confined to Saudi Arabia. Most recently, last November, the state-owned lessor signed a sale-and-leaseback deal with Saudia Group covering twenty A320neo jets due to be delivered to the group’s low-cost carrier flyadeal (F3, Jeddah).

O’Byrne said in the statement on the Avolon deal: “This is a logical strategic next step for us. This transaction demonstrates AviLease’s international expansion and its ability to originate both in the primary and the secondary trading market.”

Airbus Updates No.4013

IIi  ITA Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus 330neo

On 27 April we already published a news story on the first flight of ITAs first A330neo, now (a month later, on 26 May) it has been
delivered to the airline.

ITA Airways’ A330neo EI-HJN (2035) is named Gelindo Bordin, to commemorate the Italian Olympic marathon champion, and will feature a three-class cabin layout designed by renowned designer Walter De Silva. It will feature thirty full lie-flat bed business class seats, 24 premium and 237 latest generation economy class seats of which 36 are dedicated to comfort economy. All seats will be equipped with on demand video and audio content as well as full WiFi connectivity and highly customisable mood lighting throughout the cabin.

It was delivered as AZ8949 from Toulouse-Blagnac to Rome-Fiumicino, where it landed on runway 34L at 19:02 hours local time. It is the first ITA Airways 330neo out of seventeen A330-900s the airline has acquired.

Airbus Updates No.3969

 

Queen Of The Skies - Virgin Atlantic's 4th Airbus A330neo Touches Down

Virgin Atlantic has welcomed another Airbus A330neo, which it has named 'Queen Of The Skies' in homage to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The aircraft touched down at London Heathrow yesterday and becomes the fourth A330neo in the Virgin fleet.

Queen of the Skies returns

Readers scanning the headline of this article may have thought it another April Fool's joke, but Virgin isn't bringing back the Boeing 747. The airline has christened its latest Airbus A330neo 'Queen of the Skies', a moniker also bestowed on the iconic 747. The brand-new widebody (registration: G-VEII) can seat up to 262 passengers - 32 in Virgin's business 'Upper Class' (including two Retreat Suites), 46 in premium economy and 184 in economy.

Since receiving its first A330neo in October 2022, the airline has inducted three more and will gradually phase out its older A330-300s, of which it still operates 10 - the next-generation A330neo is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and offers 25% less fuel burn and carbon emissions compared to previous generation aircraft.

Not the first with this name

G-VEII is in fact the second plane in the Virgin Atlantic fleet to be named Queen of the Skies. One of the airline's now-retired Airbus A340s (registration: G-VEIL) was given this name back in 2004 during a ceremony led by the Queen herself, and served the carrier for over 12 years before it was withdrawn from use in 2016.

The airline announced the name of the aircraft back in January via its Twitter account, joining its three other A330neos - Billie Holiday (G-VJAZ), Space Oddity (G-VTOM), and Eliza Doolittle (G-VLDY). The jet would complete its customer acceptance flight on March 24th before departing Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) at 13:18 on March 31st, arriving at Virgin's London Heathrow (LHR) base at 13:47.

Up to 16 A330neos

Virgin Atlantic has an order for 16 Airbus A330neos for delivery until 2026. The carrier first announced its order with Airbus back in June 2016 - for 10 A330neos and options for six more - with deliveries to take place between 2018 and 2020. However, the COVID pandemic forced Virgin to re-think its fleet plans, and it delayed deliveries of its neos until late-2022.

Airbus Updates No.3905

Airbus December 2022 orders & deliveries

Airbus has released the numbers over December 2022 and the total year. Last month, Airbus was able to note down sixteen aircraft orders, received 21 cancellations and delivered 98 aircraft.

Ordered were:

• 10 A330-900s by CIT Leasing
• 2 A350-900s by Financial Institutions
• 4 A350Fs by an Undisclosed customer

Cancelled were:

• 3 A220-100s by Lease Corporation International
• 17 A220-300s by Lease Corporation International
• 1 A220-300 by Macquarie Financial Holdings

Delivered were:

• 1 A321neo to Aegean Airlines (leased via SMBC Aviation Capital)
• 1 A320neo to Air Astana (leased via CDB Leasing)
• 1 A321neo to Air Astana (leased via Air Lease Corporation)
• 1 A220-300 to AirBaltic
• 2 A320neos to Air Cairo (leased via NAS Aviation Services)
• 1 A220-300 to Air Canada
• 3 A350-900s to Air China
• 1 A220-300 to Air France
• 3 A321neos to American Airlines
• 1 A321neo to Asiana Airlines 
• 3 A320neos to Avianca (2 leased via NAS Aviation Services, 1 via DAE Capital)
• 2 A320neos to Azerbijan Airlines (leased via Aviation Capital Group)
• 2 A320neos to Azul (leased via BOC Aviation)
• 1 A220-300 to Breeze Airways
• 1 A350-1000 to Cathay Pacific
• 1 A320neo to CebuPacific
• 1 A321neo to China Air Lines (leased via CALC)
• 1 A320neo to China Eastern Airlines (leased via BoComm Leasing)
• 1 A350-900 to China Eastern Airlines
• 1 A321neo to China Southern Airlines
• 1 A350-900 to China Southern Airlines
• 2 A330-900s to Condor (1 leased via NAS Aviation Services)
• 1 A220-300 to Delta Air Lines
• 6 A321neos to Delta Air Lines
• 1 A350-900 to Delta Air Lines
• 2 A320neos to easyJet
• 1 A350-1000 to FrenchBee
• 3 A321neos to Frontier Airlines
• 1 A350-900 to Iberia
• 5 A320neos to Indigo
• 4 A321neos to Indigo
• 1 A220-300 to Iraqi Airways
• 3 A320neos to ITA Airways (leased via Avolon)
• 2 A220-300s to JetBlue Airways
• 1 A320neo to Jetsmart
• 1 A321neo to Jetsmart (leased via Aviation Capital Group)
• 2 A321neos to Jetstar Airways
• 2 A321neos to Juneyao Airlines
• 3 A320neos to LATAM
• 1 A320neo to Loong Air (leased via AerCap)
• 2 A321neos to Pegasus Airlines
• 1 A321neo to Qanot Sharq (leased via Air Lease Corporation)
• 1 A320neo to Sichuan Airlines (leased via AerCap)
• 1 A350-900 to Sichuan Airlines
• 2 A320neos to Spirit Airlines (1 leased via SMBC Aviation Capital)
• 2 A321neos to STARLUX (leased via NAS Aviation Services)
• 1 A321neo to TAP Air Portugal
• 1 A320neo to Tunisair
• 2 A321neos to Turkish Airlines (1 leased via Avolon)
• 1 A330-200 to UAE Air Force
• 2 A321neos to Uzbekistan Airways (leased via CDB Leasing)
• 3 A321neos to VietJet
• 1 A320neo to Vistara
• 1 A321neo to Volaris
• 3 A321neos to WizzAir
• 1 A321neo to Xiamen Airlines (leased via CMB Financial Leasing)

In total, Airbus logged 1078 orders for new aircraft and 258 cancellations, leaving a total of 820 net orders. A total of 663 new aircraft were delivered to customers last year.

Photo by Airbus.

Airbus Updates No.3898

 

Condor Takes Delivery Of Its 2nd Airbus A330neo

Condor has welcomed its second Airbus A330neo following the arrival of its first earlier this month. The latest A330neo to arrive is part of a deal for six of the next-generation aircraft with lessor AerCap.

Another A330neo for Condor

The German carrier's second Airbus A330-900 (registration: D-ANRH) touched down in Frankfurt (FRA) on Thursday following an 85-minute flight from Toulouse. The brand-new Airbus A330neo, acquired on lease from Irish firm AerCap, departed Toulouse at 15:31 before arriving in Frankfurt at 16:56.

The aircraft has been painted in Condor's eye-catching new livery - unlike its first A33neo sporting its 'Island' green, D-ANRH has been decorated with the 'Beach' beige design. The new aircraft is scheduled to enter service in mid-January.

Peter Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap, said,

"We are delighted to announce the delivery of the first of six new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft to Condor, and to see the aircraft painted in their distinctive new striped livery design. The A330neo aircraft is the perfect choice for Condor and will enable them to expand their network using the most modern, fuel-efficient technology while supporting their sustainability commitments. We wish the team every success and we look forward to continuing to build our partnership in the years to come."

More to arrive from next summer

Condor will induct five more A330neos as part of its leasing agreement with AerCap. The next plane is scheduled to arrive in the summer of 2023, with the final delivery taking place in 2024.

Björn Walther, Chief Financial Officer of Condor, said,

"With AerCap as our very experienced and supportive partner, we are looking forward to welcoming the next A330-900neo within the upcoming months. Thanks to the great cooperation we are able to take an important step towards a successful future."

 

In fact, Condor will eventually have 16 Airbus A330-900s in its fleet as the German launch customer of the type - the jet is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and offers around a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions​​​​​​. As reported by Aviacionline, Condor plans to fly its A330neos to Male, Maldives (MLE), Varadero, Cuba (VRA) and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ).

First A330neo flight was a success

Following the delayed arrival of its first A330neo on December 19th, Condor has now successfully operated its first commercial flight with the efficient aircraft. On December 27th, the airline flew its first A330neo (registration: D-ANRA) from Frankfurt to Mauritius, departing FRA at 16:26 and landing at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) at 06:13+1.

The airline made headlines earlier this month after its first A330neo collided with a building in Toulouse, delaying its delivery and entry into service. Fortunately, the plane completed a Customer Acceptance Flight a few days later and has now entered service.

Condor's A330neos can carry up to 310 passengers - 30 in business, 64 in premium economy, and 216 in economy. Simple Flying took a closer look inside Condor's A330neo interior, boasting lie-flat seats in business class, Bluetooth connectivity and high-speed internet access.