Airbus Updates No.1066

BRITISH AIRWAYS FIRST AIRBUS A380 SET FOR DELIVERY TO LONDON HEATHROW TODAY 4TH JULY 2013

AIRCRAFT HAS BEEN OFFICALLY HANDED OVER TO BRITISH AIRWAYS BY AIRBUS (FIRST PHOTO) AND IS FUELLED AND READY TO GO (SECOND PHOTO)
DUE INTO HEATHROW AT 1020 LOCAL TIME THIS MORNING

Airbus Updates No.1065

 Airbus A320  -231  424    C5-AAR  Aeolus Air  in svc 02jul13 KBL-DXB-KBL for Ariana Afghan   ex F-WTDF
Airbus A320  -214  5666     PR-TYC  TAM  delivery 03-04jul13 TLS-SID-CNF  ex F-WWDS
 Airbus A320  -214  5669     RP-C3274   Cebu Pacific Air  delivery 04jul13 TLS-FJR  ex F-WWBU
Airbus A320  -232  5683     VT-IFQ  IndiGo Airlines  delivery 03-04jul13 XFW-BAK-DEL  ex D-AVVD
 Airbus A320  -214  5688     G-EZWK  easyJet  delivery 04jul13 XFW-LGW  ex D-AVVF
 Airbus A321  -131  597     SX-GRN  GreenJet Airlines  delivery 03jul13 BUD-BEG-ATH  ex N597AW
 Airbus A340  -313  429     CC-CQE  LAN Airlines  ferried 01/03jul13 SCL-AKL-SIN prior return to lessor   ex F-WWJQ
 Airbus A380  -841  95     G-XLEA  British Airways  delivery 04jul13 TLS-LHR   ex F-WWSK

Airbus Updates No. 1064

Airbus A300  -622R(F)  602     D-AEAC  EAT Leipzig  delivery 01jul13 DRS-LEJ after conversion  ex N4602
 Airbus A319  -112  734     YA-TTF  Safi Airways  EI-regd 28jun13, full cs 01jul13 at SNN prior delivery   ex EI-FCG
 Airbus A319  -112  3728     D-ABGP  Air Berlin  re-regd 01jul13  ex OE-LOC
Airbus A320  -231  415     LY-SPC  Small Planet Airlines  delivery 02jul13 PGF-LYS, all white  ex EI-ETM
 Airbus A320  -214  438     5A-WAT  Ghadames Air Transport   delivery 24jun13 MPL-TIP, F-reg, titl & logo  ex F-WTDD
 
 Airbus A320  -232  5676     VT-IFP  IndiGo Airlines  delivery 01-02jul13 XFW-BAK-DEL  ex D-AVVC
 Airbus A321  -131  597     SX-GRN  GreenJet Airlines  delivery 02jul13 BUD-BEG-ATH  ex N597AW
 Airbus A321  -231  5633     TC-JSJ  Turkish Airlines  delivery 01jul13 XFW-IST  ex D-AVZP
 Airbus A321  -211  5674     B-9957  Juneyao Airlines  delivery 01jul13 XFW-OVB-SHA  ex D-A
 Airbus A330  -223  358     EI-CXF  ILFC  ferried 30jun13 LPBJ-LIS, for Aerolineas Argentinas as LV-FNK  ex TC-ETK
 Airbus A330  -243  1429     B-5930  China Eastern  delivery 02jul13 TLS-PVG  ex F-WWCJ
 Airbus A340  -642  383     9H-SEA  HiFly Malta  delivery 02jul13 LDE-MLA, all white, G-reg  ex G-VSHY

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.1062

Airbus Updates No.1061

Airbus A300  B4-203F  220     EI-SAF  Air Contractors  DHL cs, ferried 29jun13 LEJ-LDE for storage  ex OO-DIC
 Airbus A319  -113  647     5N-FND  FirstNation Airways  delivery 29jun13 DUB-KAN (+ 660 5N-FNE)  ex EI-DVD
Airbus A319  -111  2214     CC-AIY   Sky Airline  delivery 28-29jun13 DUB-LPA-REC-SCL  ex VQ-BMO
Airbus A319  -132  3358     D-AGWI  germanwings  ferried 28jun13 OSR-CGN, paint into new cs, last one   ex D-AVYZ
 Airbus A320  -214  2776     VP-CXM  Nas Air  delivery 30jun13 MAD-JED  ex EC-JSB
Airbus A320  -214  5652     JA20MC  Star Flyer  delivery 28jun13 TLS-DXB  ex F-WWBO
 Airbus A320  -216  5657     JA05AJ  Air Asia Japan  delivery 29jun13 TLS-TSE  x F-WWBR
Airbus A330  -202  211     CS-TQP  HiFly  ferried 29jun13 BZZ-ARN on wet-lease to Norwegian   ex N272LF
Airbus A330  -243  1008     CS-TFZ  HiFly  ferried 29jun13 ARN-CDG after wet-lease to Norwegian   ex F-WWYD
 Airbus A330  -243(MRTT)  1334     G-VYGF/ZZ335   Air Tanker / Royal Air Force   delivery 28jun13 LEGT-BZZ, MRTT-reg  ex MRTT021
 Airbus A330  -202  1424     5A-LAS  Libyan Airlines  delivery 28jun13 TLS-TIP  ex F-WWTP

Airbus Updates No.1060

Airbus updates No.1059

Sichuan Airlines takes delivery of its first A320 with Sharklets

Customer flies higher with eco-efficient Airbus aircraft

28 JUNE 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Sichuan Airlines, the largest all Airbus fleet operator in China, has taken delivery of its first A320 aircraft equipped with Sharklets, joining the rapidly increasing group of Airbus single-aisle aircraft operators benefiting from the latest fuel saving aerodynamic devices.

The A320, powered by IAE V2500 engines, features a comfortable two class cabin, seating 164 passengers with eight in business class and 156 in economy.

“As the first airline to introduce Airbus fly-by-wire aircraft in China, Sichuan Airlines has benefited from the low cost and highly reliable Airbus aircraft. Thanks to the commonality of Airbus aircraft, we were able to seamlessly introduce the wide body A330 Family aircraft into our fleet. With the introduction of this A320 with Sharklets, we will be able to further optimise our route network and bring a high level of comfort to our passengers as well as further reducing our operational cost”, said Li Haiying, General Manager of Sichuan Airlines Co., Ltd.

“We are proud to be part of Sichuan Airlines’ success story. They were first Chinese airline to operate the A320, the first to take delivery of an A320 assembled at Airbus’ Tianjin Final Assembly Line, and now one of the first with Sharklets in China,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The Sharklets will deliver up to four per cent reduction in fuel burn and make the airline even more competitive across China and Asia”, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Sichuan Airlines is China’s largest all Airbus fleet operator. It introduced an A320 in 1995 to become the first Chinese airline to operate an Airbus fly-by-wire aircraft. In 2009, the airline received the first A320 assembled at the Airbus Final Assembly Line China (FALC) in Tianjin. Now it operates a fleet of five A330s and 70 A320 Family aircraft.

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, nearly 9,500 aircraft have been ordered and nearly 5,600 delivered to more than 380 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.1058

Libyan Airlines takes delivery of its first Airbus A330

Newest operator of world’s most efficient mid-size aircraft

28 JUNE 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Libyan Airlines, the national carrier of Libya, has taken delivery of its first A330-200 becoming a new operator for the type. The carrier already operates seven A320 aircraft, with three A330-200 and four A350-800 aircraft on order.

Accommodating a two-class configuration of 24 business and 235 economy seats, the aircraft is  powered by GE CF6-80 engines and will be deployed in the Middle East, around Dubai and Jeddah, as well as on Asian and European trunk routes.

“We are pleased to welcome Libyan Airlines as a new operator of the A330 family aircraft. Libya has great potential and its fleet is comprised of predominantly Airbus aircraft,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “With the A330-200, Libyan Airlines will benefit from the aircraft’s low operating costs, proven reliability and great passenger appeal.”

The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, and includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,200 orders, with around 900 aircraft flying with more than 100 operators worldwide. Ever since the original version of the A330-200 entered service, the hallmark has been its very efficient operating economics. Thanks to the introduction of numerous product improvements, it still remains the most cost-efficient and capable aircraft in its class operating today, and the family achieves average dispatch reliability above 99 percent.

Airbus Updates No.1057

SAS selects eight A350 XWBs and four A330s

Airbus fleet will bring the airline into a new long haul future

25 JUNE 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Scandinavian carrier SAS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for eight A350 XWBs and four A330s, as part of its strategy to modernize its fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft. The agreement was signed in the Nowegian capital, Oslo. The new A350-900s and A330-300s will join the airline’s existing fleet of 30 Airbus aircraft. Engine selection for the A330s will be announced by the airline at a later date.

Currently, SAS operates a fleet of 19 A320 Family aircraft, four A330s and seven A340s. The new wide-body aircraft will fit seamlessly into the airline’s fleet and deliver operational efficiencies and cost savings due to the commonality across the fleet, a feature unique to Airbus.

“The great technological improvements of this extensive fleet renewal plan give SAS a long haul fleet that will be top of class in the industry. It will truly increase our competitiveness and strengthen our customer offering – both with regard to comfort, service and efficiency. We look forward to welcoming our passengers on board these fuel efficient aircraft with extremely comfortable and quiet cabins,” said Rickard Gustafson, SAS Group President & CEO.

“We are delighted that SAS has underscored their confidence in Airbus by selecting our A330, which offers unbeatable economics and the highest level of operational reliability alongside the A350 XWB, the world’s most technologically advanced and efficient aircraft,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.’’   

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is an all-new, mid-size long-range aircraft product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. The A350 XWB Family will bring a step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in its size category, using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions.

The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, and includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,200 orders, with around 900 aircraft flying with more than 100 operators worldwide. Ever since the original version of the A330-300 entered service, the hallmark has been its very efficient operating economics. Thanks to the introduction of numerous product improvements, it still remains the most cost-efficient and capable aircraft in its class operating today, and the family achieves average dispatch reliability above 99 percent.

Airbus Updates No.1056

 Airbus A319  -113  647     5N-FND  FirstNation Airways  delivery 27jun13 DUB-KAN (+ 660 5N-FNE 28jun13)  ex EI-DVD
 Airbus A319  -112  1018     YA-TTE  Safi Airways  at SNN 25jun13 after paint, EI-reg prior delivery  ex EI-FBO
 
 Airbus A319  -112  1136     D-AKNN  germanwings  ferried 26jun13 OSR-CGN after paint into new cs  ex N726US
 Airbus A319  -111  2516     4K-AZ03  Azerbaijan Airlines Avia  ferried 26jun13 BAK-OSR for paint into new cs  ex D-AVWS
 Airbus A320  -231  357    N567BB  Csds Aircraft Sales & Leasing   ferried 26-27jun13 GYR-YYR-KEF-ARN-SAW on delivery to?   ex XA-UCZ
 Airbus A320  -214  3107     VP-BTZ  Ural Airlines  delivery 26-27jun13 MNL-KHV-SVX  ex RP-C8605
 Airbus A320  -232  5641     VT-IFO  IndiGo Airlines  delivery 26-27jun13 TLS-FJR-DEL  ex F-WWIN
 Airbus A320  -232  5646     B-9935  Sichuan Airlines  delivery 26-27jun13 TLS-SVX-CTU  ex F-WWIM
 Airbus A320  -232  5649     JA13JJ  Jetstar Japan  delivery 27jun13 TLS-AUH-SIN  ex F-WWIL
 Airbus A320  -232  5660     HA-LWV  Wizz Air  delivery 27jun13 TLS-BUD  ex F-WWBS
 Airbus A320  -214  5673     EC-LVX  Vueling  delivery 27jun13 XFW-BCN  ex D-AVVB
Airbus A321  -231  5670     B-9936  Sichuan Airlines  delivery 27-28jun13 XFW-OVB-CTU   ex D-AVZY
 Airbus A330  -223  874     D-ALAA  Lufthansa Technik  ferried 26jun13 ZRH-MLA, Kingfisher cs  ex VT-VJK
 Airbus A330  -202(MRTT)  980     2401  Royal Saudi Air Force  delivery 25jun13 LEGT-OEPS  ex EC-338
 Airbus A330  -202  1424     5A-LAS  Libyan Airlines  delivery 28jun13 TLS-TIP  ex F-WWTP
 Airbus A330  -302  1426     EC-LXK  Iberia  delivery 27jun13 TLS-AMS for paint  ex F-WWCG

Airbus Updates No.1055

Airbus A321  -231  5667     TC-JSL  Turkish Airlines  delivery 24jun13 XFW-IST  ex D-aVZX
 Airbus A330  -243  345     TS-IRA  Syphax Airlines  delivery 20/21jun13 BOD-LBG-TUN  ex F-WJKG
 Airbus A330  -243  1008     CS-TFZ  HiFly  ferried 20jun13 BRU-ARN on wet-lease to Norwegian Long Haul as 2nd 787 substitute  ex F-WWYD
 Airbus A330  -343  1322     B-LNL  Hong Kong Airlines  ferried 20/21jun13 SZX-HKG-SZX during lease** to Hainan Airlines   ex F-WWTI
 Airbus A330  -243  1422     N393HA  Hawaiian Airlines  delivery 20/21jun13 TLS-LBG-LAX  ex F-WWTX
 Airbus A330  -343  1425     B-5922  China Southern  delivery 21jun13 TLS-TSN  ex F-WWKM
 Airbus A330  -343  1427     9V-STV  Singapore Airlines  delivery 21jun13 TLS-SIN  ex F-WWCH
 Airbus A340  -213  151     5A-ONE  Afriqiyah Airways  ferried 21jun13 PGF-ORY for addnl mx  ex HZ-WBT4
 Airbus A340  -313  318     RP-C3436  Philippine Airlines  delivery 21jun13 LDE-MNL   ex EC-HGU

Airbus Updates No.1054

Airbus A319  -132  3534     D-AGWL  germanwings  ferried 20jun13 OSR-CGN after paint into new cs  ex D-AVWB
 Airbus A320  -212  409     N409AG  ACG Acquisitions  ferried 24jun13 WOE-SEN after paint, all white  ex 5N-FNA
 Airbus A320  -231  415     LY-SPC  Small Planet Airlines  at PGF 21jun13, all white, prior delivery  ex EI-ETM
 Airbus A320  -212  438     F-WTDD  AeroTurbine  ferried 24jun13 MPL-TIP, all white, on delivery to Ghadames Air Transport   ex 9Q-CSB
 Airbus A320  -232  2602     PR-MAX  TAM  ferried 20-21jun13 GRU-MAO-MEX, all wh, for Bangkok Airways   ex F-WWBO
 Airbus A320  -232  3159     VT-INJ  IndiGo Airlines  ferried 20jun13 AMM-SNN, for SAS as OY-KAR  ex F-WWDQ
 Airbus A320  -214  3868     VP-CXO  Nas Air  delivery 23jun13 WOE-JED  ex OE-IBV
 Airbus A320  -214  4600     B-9963  Tianjin Airlines  delivery 22jun13 XSP-DMK-TSN, special East Asia Games 2013 cs   ex OE-ICD
 Airbus A320  -214  5562     B-9940  Spring Airlines  delivery 19jun13 TSN-PVG  ex B-517L
 Airbus A320  -232  5629     ZK-OXA  Air New Zealand  delivery 15/18-21jun13 TLS-LBG-MCT-SIN-CNS-AKL   ex F-WWBH
 Airbus A320  -214  5658     D-AIZV  Lufthansa  delivery 21jun13 XFW-FRA  ex D-AUBY
 Airbus A320  -214  5661     N220FR  Frontier  delivery 22jun13 XFW-TLS  ex D-AUBZ
 Airbus A320  -214  5665     XA-JMA  InterJet  delivery 22-23jun13 XFW-KEF-BGR-TLC   ex D-AVVA
 Airbus A321  -232  5647    B-9937  Sichuan Airlines  delivery 19jun13 XFW-OVB  ex D-AVZT
 Airbus A321  -231  5655     B-6979  China Southern  delivery 22jun13 XFW-OVB  ex D-AVZU
 Airbus A321  -211  5659     N155UW  US Airways  delivery 21jun13 XFW-BGR-PIT  ex D-AVZV

Airbus Updates No.1053

Airbus Updates No.1052

Airbus books almost US$70 billion at Paris Air Show 2013

466 Airbus aircraft orders & commitments across all product families;

A320neo Family retains 60 percent market share;

A350 XWB, A330 and A380 all continue to outsell the competition.

20 JUNE 2013 PRESS RELEASE

At the 2013 Paris Air Show, Airbus won US$68.7 billion worth of business for a total of 466 aircraft, which shows the resilience of the commercial aviation industry. The deals comprise Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) for 225 aircraft worth US$29.4 billion and firm purchase orders for 241 aircraft worth US$39.3 billion.

The A320 Family, spearheaded by the A320neo, continues its trailblazing success in the single-aisle market with 371 orders and commitments from six customers announced at the show, worth approximately $37.8 billion. Of these, 88 were for the A320ceo – showing that today’s in-production aircraft is still the most sought-after industry workhorse. A stand-out commitment during the show for the A320 Family was the announcement from easyJet for 100 A320neos plus 35 A320ceos – the winning result of a very intense competition. Another major endorsement for the A320 Family came from Lufthansa with the firming-up of 100 more aircraft. Additional A320 Family orders and commitments came from: Hong Kong Aviation Capital for 60; ILFC for 50; Spirit for 20; and Tunisia’s Syphax Airlines for three – significantly the first A320neo commitment from Africa.

Another star at Paris was the A350 XWB which flew for the first time on Friday 14th June 2013 and successfully completed its second flight on Wednesday 19th June. At the show this aircraft gained 69 more orders & commitments worth $21.4 billion from four customers on different continents. Air France-KLM placed a firm order for 25 A350-900s. Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines, already a large customer for the type, returned to order 30 more A350-900s; United Airlines also placed an additional A350 order for 10 A350-1000s -- not only bringing its total A350 orders to 35, but also upgrading its previous order for 25 A350-900s to the larger A350-1000 model to replace its Boeing 777s. In addition, Sri Lankan signed a commitment for four A350-900s to complement an order for six A330-300s at the show.

At the top end of the product range, the flagship A380 received a commitment for 20 aircraft from the world’s third largest wide-body lessor, Doric Lease Corp, in a deal worth more than $8 billion. The contract with Doric is significant as it opens up a new, additional route to market for the A380, which is now available to airlines who wish to acquire the aircraft under the flexibility of an operating lease agreement. 

John Leahy, Airbus’s Chief Operating Officer, Customers said: “The dramatic rainfall and thunder storms at Le Bourget this year didn’t dampen our order intake.” He added: “Our A350 XWB has been out-selling the 787 by better than 2- to-1 over the last five years. In addition our A320neo Family retains a 60 percent market share lead. That’s a ‘corner’ I want to stay boxed into.”

Airbus Updates No.1051

Spirit Airlines to grow fleet with largest Airbus single-aisle model

U.S. low-cost carrier signs firm order for 20 A321ceo aircraft

1st North American carrier to feature Space-Flex cabin option, room for more seats

20 JUNE 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Spirit Airlines has placed a firm order for 20 Airbus A321 aircraft and additionally has opted to convert 10 of its existing A320 orders to the larger A321. All of these aircraft are current engine option (ceo) models. Spirit’s A321ceos will accommodate increasing passenger numbers in the airline’s network in the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America. All of the A321ceo aircraft will be fitted with fuel-saving Sharklets and will seat 219 passengers in a single-class layout.

The announcement was made today during the Paris Air Show.

“Spirit’s priority has always been to save its passengers money, while transporting them as comfortably as possible,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “That is exactly what the A320 Family allows the airline to achieve. These are eco-efficient machines with wonderful comfort.”

“We are pleased to expand our partnership with Airbus and excited about the growth opportunities and additional cities we will be able to liberate from high fares with the addition of these aircraft,” said Ben Baldanza, Chief Executive Officer of Spirit Airlines.

The new Spirit A321s will also be the first North America-based aircraft to feature the Space-Flex cabin option. This rear lavatory and galley combination optimizes use of the available space at the very back of the aircraft. The configuration also allows for the first lavatory in the single-aisle market to be accessible to people with reduced mobility.

With this order announced today, Spirit’s firm orders total: 7 A319s, 98 A320s (including 45 A320 new engine option aircraft) and 30 A321s. The airline currently operates a fleet of some 50 A320 Family aircraft.

The A320 Family is the world’s most successful aircraft with over 9,500 ordered and over 5,600 delivered to more than 380 customers and operators.

Airbus Updates No.1050

Airbus, United Airlines reach agreement for 35 A350-1000 aircraft

Airline orders 10 more A350s, converts order for 25 A350-900s to -1000 model

20 JUNE 2013 PRESS RELEASE

United Airlines and Airbus have announced that the airline will add 35 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft to its future fleet.  The agreement between the companies represents a conversion of the U.S. carrier’s previous order for 25 A350-900s to the -1000 model, as well as the addition of 10 more orders for A350-1000 aircraft. The announcement was made today during the Paris Air Show. 

The A350-1000 is the largest version of the A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) family and typically seats 350 passengers in a three-class layout. The aircraft is capable of flying 8,400 nautical miles non-stop and will be operated by United on higher density routes, including non-stop flights between the United States and the Asia/Pacific region. The aircraft will be powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines delivering 97,000lbs of thrust – the most powerful engines ever developed for an Airbus aircraft. 

“We look forward to taking delivery of the A350-1000,” said Jeff Smisek, United’s Chairman, President and CEO. “This is a modern, fuel-efficient and advanced-technology aircraft that our customers and co-workers will enjoy flying.  It will be a great addition to our fleet and will allow us to meet demand on larger, long-haul markets in our world-leading network.”

“The latest announcement from United Airlines is yet another endorsement for the
A350-1000,” said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer. “Less than a week after the success of the A350 XWB’s first flight, we see that demand for the new aircraft continues to grow, especially for the larger -1000 model. Airbus is proud to have United Airlines on board the exciting A350 program in such a significant way.” 

The A350 XWB is an all-new mid-size long range product line featuring three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. The aircraft will bring new levels of efficiency to the mid-size market, using 25 per cent less fuel than existing aircraft in this size category and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions.

The first A350 XWB began an extensive flight test program last Friday, June 14th. Entry into commercial service of the first customer aircraft is scheduled for the second half of 2014.

To date, Airbus has recorded 678 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 34 customers worldwide.

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.1048

Singapore Airlines finalises order for up to 50 more A350 XWBs

Firm order for 30 A350-900s and 20 options convertible to A350-1000

19 JUNE 2013 PRESS RELEASE

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has increased its orders for the A350 XWB with an additional 30 A350-900s, plus options for a further 20 aircraft. The agreement firms up a commitment announced last month. Under the terms of the agreement, Singapore Airlines will be able to select either the baseline A350-900 or the larger A350-1000 when exercising the options.

This is the third order from Singapore Airlines for the A350 XWB. The deal sees the carrier’s total firm orders for the all-new aircraft increase to 70, plus 20 options. Singapore Airlines will operate the A350 XWB on long haul and regional services. 

"We are pleased to announce this latest order from Singapore Airlines as the A350 XWB flight test campaign begins,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus. "It’s another clear endorsement of our all-new design A350 XWB, bringing a step change in efficiency and comfort to the mid-size widebody market with a single product family.”

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts. The aircraft will bring new levels of efficiency to the mid-size market, using 25 per cent less fuel than existing aircraft in this size category and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions.

The extensive flight test programme for the A350 XWB is now underway, following a successful first flight last week. Entry into commercial service of the first customer aircraft is scheduled for the second half of 2014.

Airbus Updates No.1047

SriLankan Airlines opts for six A330’s and four A350 XWB’s

Winning combination for efficient long haul fleet

19 JUNE 2013 PRESS RELEASE

SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, has signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) for six A330-300s and four A350-900s. The airline, an all Airbus operator, has chosen the highly reliable A330 and the latest generation A350 XWB aircraft as part of its long-haul fleet renewal.

“The efficiency, reliability and passenger appeal of our in-service A330s form the pillar of SriLankan’s long haul operations,” said Kapila Chandrasena, CEO of SriLankan Airlines. “Adding more new A330’s to our fleet, combined with the unbeatable economics  the A350 XWB will offer, allows us to achieve a strong economical performance.”

“We are grateful  of this renewed confidence SriLankan Airlines is placing with us,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers “The winning combination of A330’s and A350 XWB’s will allow SriLankan Airlines to offer the highest levels of comfort to their passengers while also benefitting from superior efficiency levels at any time.”

Airbus aircraft share a unique cockpit and operational commonality, allowing airlines to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers, bringing operational flexibility and resulting in significant cost savings.  

The twin engine A330 is one of the most widely used widebody aircraft in service today. Airbus has recorded more than 1,200 orders for the various versions of the aircraft and nearly 1,000 aircraft are flying with nearly 100 operators worldwide. The A330-300 has benefited from numerous product improvements and stands as the most cost-efficient and capable aircraft in its class, achieving average dispatch reliability above 99 percent.

The A350 XWB is the all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions and seating between 270 and 350 passengers in spacious three-class layouts. The new family will bring a step change in efficiency using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO₂ emissions. To date the A350 XWB has already won 613 firm orders from 33 customers worldwide.