Airbus Updates No.1190

Transaero Airlines commits to 20 A330s

First A330neo launch customer in Europe

17 JULY 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Transaero Airlines, Russia’s second largest airline, signed a Letter of Intent with Airbus for 20 A330 aircraft (8 A330ceo and 12 A330neo). This agreement  makes Transaero an important launch customer and the first European airline to commit to the A330neo. The A330s will allow Transaero to continue the massive fleet modernization program and to boost its medium and long-haul domestic and international network.

“Maintaining the balance between proven technologies and new fuel efficiency and passenger comfort solutions, the A330neo will enable a smooth integration into Transaero’s fleet and represent an attractive investment profile for our financial partners” said Alexander Krinichanskiy, Executive Director of Transaero. 

"This significant order from Transaero proves that both the A330ceo and the A330neo offer airlines unmatched efficiency, working in tandem to improve airline profitability and passenger comfort. We are delighted that a leading European airline has selected both the A330neo and A330ceo," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. 

Transaero Airlines launched services in November 1991, and currently serves more than  200 routes all over the world. Transaero will begin operating its first Airbus aircraft (A321) in 2015. In 2011 Transaero Airlines signed a contact with Airbus for eight A320neo and in 2012 became the first Russian customer for the A380, ordering four aircraft, the first of which will enter into service at the end of 2015.

The A330-800neo and the A330-900neo are two new members of the Airbus Widebody Family launched in July 2014 with first deliveries scheduled to start in Q4 2017. The A330neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. Benefitting from the unbeatable economics, versatility and high reliability of the A330, the A330neo reduces fuel consumption by 14% per seat, making it the most cost efficient, medium range Widebody aircraft on the market. In addition to greater fuel savings, A330neo operators will also benefit from a range increase of up to 400 nautical miles and all the operational commonality advantages of the Airbus Family.

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.1187

Air Mauritius orders six A350 XWB

A350 key to modernising Air Mauritius’ all Airbus long-haul fleet

16 JULY 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Air Mauritius, the flag carrier of Mauritius has decided to expand and modernise its long-haul fleet with a Memorandum of Understanding for four A350-900 aircraft. The agreement was announced during the Farnborough International Airshow 2014. The airline has also announced that it is leasing two more A350-900s. The 6 A350 XWB will be operated on European, Asian and Australian routes.

Air Mauritius, voted the leading airline in the Indian Ocean at the World Travel Awards for the last last nine years and recently awarded a 4-STAR Skytrax rating, currently operates ten Airbus aircraft including two A330-200s and two A319s.

 “The A350 XWB combined with the A330 suits Air Mauritius’ entire long-range network and will be key to modernising our fleet while significantly reducing our operational costs and environmental footprint. It is the game-changer we were looking for,” said Andries Viljoen, Air Mauritius’ Chief Executive Officer. “These highly comfortable and fuel-efficient aircraft will fit nicely into our existing Airbus fleet, and our passengers will be able to enjoy seamless service and comfort levels throughout our entire product range.”

“We are honoured that Air Mauritius, a long-standing customer for 20 years, is ordering more Airbus aircraft,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “The fleet commonality unique to Airbus will maximise operational efficiency for the airline, and passengers will benefit from unmatched comfort levels on the world’s most modern aircraft.”

The A350 XWB is Airbus’ all-new mid-size long-range product line comprising three versions offering from 276 to 369 seats. The A350 XWB stands out in its class thanks to its combination of passenger comfort, technological innovation and its unique industrial process. Built hand-in-hand with our customers, the A350 XWB sets new standards in terms of passenger experience, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. At the end of June 2014, the A350 XWB had won 742 orders from 38 customers worldwide.

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.1185

AirAsia X to order 50 A330neo

Launch customer for new version of best-selling widebody

15 JULY 2014 PRESS RELEASE

AirAsia X, the long haul affiliate of Asia’s largest low cost airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understand (MOU) with Airbus for 50 A330-900neo aircraft. The agreement sees the airline become a launch customer for the latest version of the best-selling widebody. AirAsia X will also be one of the first operators of the aircraft, with deliveries to the carrier scheduled to begin in 2018.

The agreement was signed at the Farnborough Airshow in the UK by Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X and Fabrice Brégier, President and CEO, Airbus, and was witnessed by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Co-founder and Director of AirAsia X, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chairman of AirAsia X Berhad and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers

“We have been encouraging Airbus to launch this new version of the A330 for some time now,” said Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Co-Founder and Director of AirAsia X. ”I am pleased that they are offering this choice and bringing us the aircraft we truly need to develop further our low cost long haul model. We are 100% sure that the A330neo will be quite unbeatable in its size category and we look forward to enabling more people to fly further more often aboard this great aircraft.”

“AirAsia X is the pioneer of successful low cost long haul travel,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “The confidence that Tony and his team have placed in the A330neo is therefore a clear endorsement of the step change we are bringing to the market in this size category. Reduced fuel consumption, extended long range capability and competitive acquisition costs will make the A330neo a true game changer and we are proud that AirAsia X will be among the first airlines to fly the aircraft.”

The latest MOU from AirAsia X further consolidates the position of the AirAsia Group as one of Airbus’s largest airline customers in the world. In total the Group has ordered 536 Airbus aircraft, excluding today’s MOU.

The A330-800neo and the A330-900neo are two new members of the Airbus Widebody Family launched in July 2014 with first deliveries scheduled to start in Q4 2017. The A330neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. Benefitting from the unbeatable economics, versatility and high reliability of the A330, the A330neo reduces fuel consumption by 14% per seat, making it the most cost efficient, medium range Widebody aircraft on the market. In addition to greater fuel savings, A330neo operators will also benefit from a range increase of up to 400 nautical miles and all the operational commonality advantages of the Airbus Family.

Airbus Updates No.1184

Airbus A320neo surpasses 3,000 firm orders

Ongoing success for the newest member of Airbus’ Single Aisle Family

15 JULY 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Airbus A320neo (new engine option) Family has reached an important milestone during the Farnborough airshow, having cumulated more than 3,000 firm orders from 57 customers since its launch in December 2010. The milestone was reached when SMBC Aviation Capital ordered 110 A320neo, marking the latest vote confidence for the world’s leading Single Aisle aircraft Family.

“We’ve given customers many reasons to prefer the A320neo Family and our customers have given us 3,000 reasons for making it the world’s favourite and fastest selling single aisle aircraft by far. With 15% reduced fuel burn, an additional 500nm range and the widest most comfortable cabin in its category, the A320neo Family is the single aisle aircraft of choice with 57 customers worldwide – twice as many as the competitor,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We are honored by SMBC’s vote of confidence in the NEO, and we’re proud that our partnership with them has pushed the A320neo order book beyond 3000.”

Earlier this month, the first A320neo rolled-out of Airbus facilities following its painting and the mounting of its Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines.

The A320neo incorporates new generation engines and Sharklets (wing tip devices) which together deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. To date, firm orders for the NEO reached 3090 aircraft from 57 customers, representing a 60 per cent market share in its category.

Airbus Updates No.1183

Avolon signs commitment for 15 A330neo aircraft

Becomes launch customer for the new Airbus Widebody aircraft

15 JULY 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Avolon, the Dublin-based, global aircraft leasing firm, has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 15 of Airbus’ newly launched A330neo aircraft. Avolon becomes a launch customer for the A330neo. The commitment was signed today at the Farnborough International Airshow 2014 by Dómhnal Slattery, Avolon CEO, John Higgins, Avolon President and Chief Commercial Officer and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. 

“Our latest order for 15 Airbus A330neo aircraft reflects our ongoing commitment to provide the world’s airlines with the next generation of fuel efficient aircraft. Today’s order represents an additional investment in the neo range of aircraft which follows our previous commitment to the A320neo. We have already experienced great interest from customers in the A320neo range due to the expected high performance and fuel efficiency of the aircraft," said Dómhnal Slattery, Avolon CEO.

John Higgins, Avolon President and Chief Commercial Officer added: "We are delighted to be a launch customer for this innovative, high performance aircraft. This A330neo order complements our ongoing sale and leaseback and fleet financing activity in both the A330 and A320 families and further strengthens our product offering, which now incorporates both narrowbody and widebody neo aircraft delivering from 2018 onwards.”

 “We are delighted to welcome Avolon among our first customers to select the A330neo,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “Based on the successful A320neo model, the A330neo offers the latest in fuel saving technologies combined with the best-in-class comfort, reliability and operational efficiency of the A330, making it an ideal choice for Avolon to grow their portfolio with the world’s most cost-efficient, medium-range Widebody aircraft.”

The A330-800neo and the A330-900neo are two new members of the Airbus Widebody Family launched in July 2014 with first deliveries scheduled to start in Q4 2017. The A330neo incorporates latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. Benefitting from the excellent economics, versatility and high reliability of the A330, the A330neo reduces fuel consumption by 14% per seat, making it the most cost efficient, medium range Widebody aircraft on the market. In addition to greater fuel savings, A330neo operators will also benefit from a range increase of up to 400 nautical miles and all the operational commonality advantages of the Airbus Family.

Airbus Updates No.1182

Living up to its billing: Airbus officially launches the A330neo programme

Airbus is familiar with making headlines at the Farnborough International Airshow, but the company’s A330neo (new engine option) programme has been creating a “buzz” long before this week’s opening of the biennial aerospace industry event.

14 JULY 2014 HEADLINE NEWS

The highly-anticipated launch of Airbus’ latest enhancement to its medium-range widebody A330 Family occurred today, with details provided during a standing-room only press conference at the Farnborough Airport. 

As the latest evolution in Airbus’ comprehensive market-leading widebody product line, the A330neo programme comprises two versions – the A330-800neo and A330-900neo – which incorporate new Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, along with aerodynamic improvements and the latest in the company’s cabin technology to provide unmatched operating economics.

The A330-800neo retains the current-production A330-200’s fuselage length, while the A330-900neo uses the longer fuselage of the A330-300.

“We worked out a solution that keeps the maturity, keeps the simplicity, keeps all that the customers like about the A330 Family – and on top improves the fuel-burn per seat by 14 per cent,” said Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer Fabrice Brégier, who noted that Airbus anticipates selling 1,000 A330neo aircraft. 

In addition to the fuel-burn reduction, A330neo operators will benefit from up to 400 nautical miles of additional range, along with decreased maintenance costs compared to in-production A330 versions. Airbus’ has also further optimised the cabin – allowing for up to 10 more seats on the A330-900neo and six additional seats for the A330-800neo version – while maintaining the company’s spacious 18-inch-wide seat comfort standard in economy class.

With this increased seating, the A330-900neo will offer seating capacity for up to 310 passengers, with the shorter-fuselage A330-800neo accommodating up to 252 travellers. 

Drawing on the Airbus family aircraft concept, the A330neo shares more than 95 per cent spares commonality with existing A330 jetliners – while also taking advantage of the latest technology from across the company’s modern and efficient product line. These enhancements include new A350 XWB style winglets, 3.7 metres of additional wingspan – which still meets Category E airport requirements – and new engine pylons for four per cent aerodynamic improvements, and cabin innovations such as full-LED mood lighting and Wifi connectivity to deliver superior passenger comfort.  

Airbus also will draw on lessons learned from the successful development of the single-aisle new engine option A320neo, planning an ambitious 42-month programme for the A330neo jetliner from its launch to the targeted first A330neo delivery in the fourth quarter of 2017.

“The A330 jetliner family offers a very, very solid base to build on,” said John Leahy, Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer – Customers, citing the significant demand over the next 20 years for aircraft in this category with operators that are currently flying A330s. “These are people who love the A330, are making a lot of money with A330 and have their pilots trained with the A330, but would like to have more fuel efficiency – that’s exactly what we are doing with this aircraft.”

Airbus Updates No.1181

BOC Aviation orders an additional 43 A320 Family aircraft

Confirms A320 Family continues to be favourite with lessors worldwide

15 JULY 2014 PRESS RELEASE

BOC Aviation, the Singapore-based aircraft leasing subsidiary of Bank of China, has announced an order for an additional 43 A320 Family aircraft, comprising seven A320neo Family aircraft and 36 A320ceo aircraft across A320 and A321 variants, at the Farnborough International Airshow 2014. The announcement was made by Robert Martin, BOC Aviation’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. The first eight A320ceo aircraft powered by engines from IAE have been placed. Engine decisions for the rest of the fleet will follow.

“Following our order of 38 A320ceo aircraft in the last 18 months, all of which are now placed, we are seeing additional demand for both A320ceo’s and NEOs,” said Robert Martin, BOC Aviation’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. “By adding this order to our pipeline for the next five years, we are confident at meeting the needs of airlines which are expanding or replacing older fleets.”

“It’s great to see one of the world’s leading lessors, BOC Aviation, based in the fast growing Asian market, continuing to invest in our market leading A320 Family,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. “This tells us that not only are our aircraft universally recognised as the industry’s benchmark for efficiency, comfort and reliability but also underlines the financial community’s confidence in the A320 Family as a sound financial asset.” 

Including this latest purchase agreement, BOC Aviation’s cumulative orders for new Airbus aircraft have reached 255, as of  June 30th  2014, 142 of these have already been delivered, and another 55 committed to lease.

As of June 30th 2014, BOC Aviation’s fleet of 251 aircraft includes 109 Airbus aircraft operated by 27 airlines. There are 98 A320 Family aircraft in the fleet.

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.1174

Airbus’ leading wide-body aircraft Family on show at Farnborough

The A350 XWB takes centre stage with UK airshow debut

1 JULY 2014 PRESS RELEASE

The newest member of the Airbus commercial aircraft family will be making its first airshow appearance at the 2014 Farnborough International Airshow taking place between 14-20th July. 

The A350 XWB will take part in the flying and static display for the first part of the week while the A380 will be on display throughout the week.

The Airbus wide-body family is the world’s most modern and versatile range. Airbus is the only manufacturer covering all market segments from 100 to 500 passengers and over. The aircraft deliver unmatched economics, versatility and cabin comfort. With traffic doubling every 15 years, Airbus’ wide-body aircraft allow airlines and airports to handle more passengers without using additional precious landing slots.

Other members of the Airbus commercial aircraft family will also be around during the show, including the A320, and an ACJ319 Corporate Jet operated by Tyrolean which features the widest and tallest cabin of any business jet. The exclusive aircraft includes lounge areas and a private bedroom with en suite bathroom.

This is the first Farnborough for the recently rebranded Airbus Group and the company pavilion located close to aircraft static display (row OE13) will house the press centre for all Group divisions. The pavilion exhibition area will showcase Airbus’ leading products and innovation, including a full size A350 XWB cockpit mock-up.

Airbus commercial announcements will be made throughout the week and notice given at the Media Centre as well as the Airbus Group Pavilion Press Centre located near the static display area. Accredited media are invited to visit us at the Airbus Group Pavilion.

Airbus is also the headline sponsor for “Farnborough TV” which will bring news and information on our products and innovation during the public days (July 19 & 20). In addition the weekend public days are in association with Airbus Group.