Airbus Updates No.1268

Airbus A319	-131	2308		EI-FGR	?	ferried 08jan15 JNB-LOS-LDE, all white	ex ZS-SFF
Airbus A319	-112	3895		OO-SSI	Brussels Airlines	ferried 07jan15 ATH-SNN, SX-reg for paint prior delivery	ex SX-OAF
Airbus A320	-231	99		N637AW	US Airways	ferried 06jan15 CLT-GYR for storage	ex N917GP
Airbus A320	-214	883		XU-704**	Sky Angkor Airlines	reg cor (+ 914 XU-702** ex SP-HAF)	ex SP-HAE
Airbus A320	-214	992		EC-JZQ	Vueling	in svc 06jan15 BCN-DUS after removal of Gracias / Thanks decals	ex TC-JLE
Airbus A320	-214	1087		LZ-BHF	BH Airlines	ferried 30dec14 SOF-KHI-SGN on wet-lease toVietJetAir	ex EC-HDN
Airbus A320	214	1975		C-	Air Canada	ferried 09jan15 DRS-SNN, OO-reg for paint prior delivery	ex OO-TCI
Airbus A320	-232	2649		VP-BJH	Nordwind Airlines	ferried 02jan15 SVO-SAW, basic cs on return to lessor	ex F-OHGV
Airbus A320	-232	2863		LZ-BHH	BH Airlines	ferried 31dec14 SOF-HBE on wet-lease to AirGo Egypt	ex VT-INB
Airbus A320	-216	3532		D-ABZA	Air Berlin	ferried 03jan15 FCO-DUB, EI-reg after paint prior delivery	ex EI-DST
Airbus A320	-232	3877		HA-LPU	Wizz Air	ferried 07jan15 BUD-WOE for paint into?, new cs indef postponed**	ex F-WWIJ
Airbus A320	-232	5073		VT-IDC	IndiGo Airways	delivery 30dec14 SIN-DEL, 9V-reg, in svc 07jan 14 DEL-HYD-BOM	ex 9V-TRR
Airbus A320	-232	5335**		VT-IDD	IndiGo Airways	delivery 17dec14 SIN-DEL, 9V-reg, in svc 31dec14 DEL-BOM vv	ex 9V-TRS
Airbus A320	-232	6284		B-1636	China Eastern	delivery 30dec14 TSN-PVG	ex B-518L
Airbus A320	-232	6388		VT-TTF	Vistara	delivery 04jan15 TLS-RKT-DEL	ex F-WWDF
Airbus A320	-214	6416		G-EZOB	easyJet	delivery 08jan15 XFW-LGW	ex D-AXAO
Airbus A321	-111	517		F-GYAP	Air Méditerranée	ferried 05jan15 CDG-ATH-JIB on wet-lease to Daallo Airlines	ex HB-IOA
Airbus A321	-111	642		SX-BHS	Hermes Airlines	ferried 05jan15 JIB-ATH-BUD after wet-lease to Daallo Airlines	ex F-GYAO
Airbus A321	-211	677		G-OMYJ	Thomas Cook Airlines	ferried 06jan15 MAN-SEN prior return to lessor	ex G-OOAF
Airbus A321	-231	806		TC-OBV	Onur Air	posn 23dec14 IST-JED, Saudia titl & tail cs (+ 810 TC-OBY, + 1008 TC-OBR)	ex TC-JMC

Airbus Updates No.1267

the end of another year and so i remember the first airbus i ever flew on from sydney airport to melbourne in 1982

VH-TAA. Airbus A300B4-203. c/n 134.

---

Airbus Updates No.1266

Date:	30-DEC-2014
Time:	17:43
Type:	Airbus A320-216
Owner/operator:	AirAsia Zest
Registration:	RP-C8972
C/n / msn:	2826
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants:
Other fatalities:	0
Airplane damage:	Unknown
Location:	Kalibo Airport (KLO/RPVK) -    Philippines
Phase:	Landing
Nature:	Domestic Scheduled Passenger
Departure airport:	Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL/RPLL)
Destination airport:	Kalibo Airport (KLO/RPVK)

Narrative:
An AirAsia Zest A320, registration RP-C8972, suffered a runway excursion while landing on runway 23 at Kalibo Airport (KLO), Philippines. Runway 23 has an LDA (Landing Distance Available) of 2187 meters. 
Flight Z2272 arrived at Kalibo at 17:43 local time after a scheduled flight from Manila, Philippines. The airplane came to rest on the grass and all passengers were evacuated using escape slides. 

Cebu Pacific Flight DG7054 (Manila-Kalibo), an Airbus A320, left a holding pattern near Kalibo at 15:55 and returned to Manila due to weather. 
On December 19, 2013 another AirAsia Zest A320 was involved in an incident at Kalibo when the nose gear departed the runway during a 180-degree turn before takeoff.

Airbus Updates No.1265

Accident description

Last updated: 30 December 2014

Status:	Preliminary - official
Date:	Sunday 28 December 2014
Time:	ca 06:18
Type:	Airbus A320-216
Operator:	Indonesia AirAsia
Registration:	PK-AXC
C/n / msn:	3648
First flight:	2008-09-25 (6 years 3 months)
Total airframe hrs:	23000
Cycles:	13600
Engines:	2 CFMI CFM56-5B6/3
Crew:	Fatalities: 7 / Occupants: 7
Passengers:	Fatalities: 155 / Occupants: 155
Total:	Fatalities: 162 / Occupants: 162
Airplane damage:	Destroyed
Airplane fate:	Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:	Java Sea (   Indonesia)
Phase:	En route (ENR)
Nature:	International Scheduled Passenger
Departure airport:	Surabaya-Juanda Airport (SUB/WARR), Indonesia
Destination airport:	Singapore-Changi International Airport (SIN/WSSS), Singapore
Flightnumber:	8501

Narrative:
An Indonesia AirAsia Airbus A320-216, performing flight QZ8501, went missing over the Java Sea between Surabaya and Singapore. On board are 155 passengers and seven crew members.
The flight took off from runway 10 at Surabaya-Juanda Airport (SUB) at 05:35 hours local time (22:35 UTC). The airplane turned left, tracking 329° over the Java Sea. The planned cruising altitude of FL320 was reached at 05:54. At the same time the airplane turned left to 319°. Ten minutes later the airplane slightly changed course to 310°. Upon entering the Jakarta Flight Information Region (FIR) over the TAVIP waypoint at 06:12 the flight contacted Jakarta ACC. The flight stated that they were deviating to the left of their planned route along airway M-635 to avoid clouds and requested a climb to FL380. The requested climb was not possible due to other traffic but the flight was cleared to climb to FL340.
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Transport the airplane was still on radar at 06:16 hours (Surabaya time, 23:16 UTC). At 06:17 only the ADS-B signal was visible with the target disappearing at 06:18.

On December 30 pieces of debris were located at sea. An official of the Ministry of Transportation confirmed that these were from the missing flight. In the course of the da bodies were recovered from the sea.

Airbus Updates No.1264

Airbus A320	-216	3648		PK-AXC	Indonesia AirAsia	crashed 28dec14 enroute SUB-SIN in bad weather, 162/162 dead	ex F-WWBZ
Airbus A320	-232	3743		XA-	VivaAeroBus	in full cs at XSP 29dec14, VH-reg prior delivery	ex VH-VQB
Airbus A320	-214	6375		9K-AKF	Kuwait Airways	delivery 24dec14 TLS-KWI	ex F-WWDO
Airbus A320	-232	6383		N635NK	Spirit Airlines	delivery 20dec14** TLS-YYR-FLL, old cs	ex F-WWDS
Airbus A320	-232	6400		EC-MEA	Vueling	delivery 29dec14 TLS-BCN	ex F-WWIL
Airbus A321	-131	614		TC-ETN	AtlasJet	in svc 28dec14 IST-LTN vv in AtlasGlobal cs	ex TC-TUC
Airbus A321	-131	855		TC-FBT	FreeBird Airlines	ferried 29dec14 SAW-KEF on return to lessor	ex HL7589

Airbus Updates No.1263

Airbus A300	-622(F)	358		N716FD	FedEx	ferried 26dec14 MEM-VCV for storage	ex N358LF
Airbus A300	-622(F)	365		N718FD	FedEx	ferried 29dec14 MEM-VCV for storage	ex HL7281
Airbus A310	-324(F)	467		N812FD	FedEx	ferried 27dec14 MEM-VCV for storage	ex F-OGYS
Airbus A319	-112	1172		D-AKNJ	geemanwings	re-delivery 30dec14 SNN-DUS after paint on transfer	ex D-AVWF
Airbus A319	-115ACJ	4228		VP-CIA	Aviation Link	all wh, acc flight 24dec14 BSL-ZRH-BQH-ZRH-TLS	ex VQ-BSF
Airbus A319	-111	4781		HB-JYG	easyJet Switzerland	ferried 27dec14 LGW-GVA, G-reg prior transfer	ex G-EZGN
Airbus A320	-2	?		C5-AAF	Aeolus Air	in svc 27dec14 IST-ESB-KBL on behalf of Ariana Afghan	ex ?
Airbus A320	-211	311		YL-LCE	smartLynx Airlines	ferried 24dec14 LJU-IEV prior return to svc	ex F-HDCE
Airbus A320	-231	424		C5-AAR	Aeolus Air	ferried 26dec14 IST-SAW after Ariana Afghan ops	ex F-WTDF
Airbus A320	-231	444		OY-JRK	Danish Air Transport	regd 23dec14	ex S5-AAS
Airbus A320	-214	635		HB-IJM	Swiss International	at ZRH 26dec14 in Star Alliance cs after paint	ex F-WWDD
Airbus A320	-214	714		D-AHHH	Hamburg Airways	ferried 30dec14 DUS-SNN on return to lessor (+ 716 D-AHHD)	ex VP-BFY
Airbus A320	-214	730		D-AHHG	Hamburg Airways	ferried 30dec14 HAM-SNN on return to lessor	ex VP-BFX
Airbus A320	-214	799		N799TB	Intertrade Ltd	ferried 29dec14 GYR-SGT for part-out & scrap	ex 6V-AIH
Airbus A320	-214	879		4L-AJD	Vista Georgia	ferried 24dec14 EUN-MJI on wet-lease to Afriqiyah Airways	ex OE-ICW
Airbus A320	-214	883		XU-702	Sky Angkor Airlines	first in svc 23-24dec14 PNH-REP-ICN-REP	ex SP-HAE
Airbus A320	-214	914		XU-703	Sky Angkor Airlines	first in svc 20-21dec14 REP-ICN-REP	ex SP-HAF
Airbus A320	-214	1072		N720AP	SASOF Aviation Ireland	China Eastern cs, ferried 20/24/29dec14 TNA-BAX-MSQ-SNN-DGX	ex B-2400
Airbus A320	-232	1422		4L-AJF	Vista Georgia	ferried 22dec14 TBS-MRA on wet-lease to Afriqiyah Airways	ex 9V-SLD
Airbus A320	-233	1509		G-GATJ	British Airways	delivery 24dec14 WOE-LGW	ex OE-ICO

Airbus Updates No.1262

Airbus A320

-216

3648

PK-AXC

Indonesia AirAsia

crashed 28dec14 enroute SUB-SIN in bad weather, 162/162 dead

ex F-WWBZ

Airbus Updates No.1261

Qatar Airways’ 1st A350 accompanies its 4th A380 for delivery to Qatar

23 DECEMBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Departing Toulouse on its delivery flight to Qatar Airways’ base in Doha, is the airline’s first A350 XWB accompanied by its big sister A380 – the fourth for Qatar Airways which is also making its first journey home. With the delivery of this A350, the airline becomes the first carrier in the world to operate every family of Airbus’ modern airliner portfolio, comprising the A320, A330/A340, A350 and A380.

Airbus Updates No.1261

Avolon firms up order for 15 A330neo aircraft

Momentum continues to build for new Airbus Widebody aircraft

23 DECEMBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Avolon, the Dublin-based, global aircraft leasing firm, has firmed up its contract for 15 A330neo aircraft. Avolon became one of the launch customers of the A330neo after signing its initial commitment in July 2014 at the Farnborough International Airshow.

“The A330neo is a sound investment for lessors, who like Avolon are focused on offering their customers the most modern, economic and comfortable aircraft,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A330neo with its highly competitive economics, in addition to the already flawless credentials of today’s A330, is going to be a real hit with operators around the world in the medium range segment.”

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.1260

Kuwait Airways begins fleet upgrade with first A320 Sharklet delivery

First Middle East airline to equip fleet with Airbus’ Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS)

22 DECEMBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

During a special ceremony in Airbus Toulouse, Kuwait Airways, took delivery of an A320 equipped with Sharklets; the first of 37 new aircraft the company ordered marking the start of a major fleet renewal plan. 

In February 2013, Kuwait Airways announced the lease of 12 Airbus aircraft including 7 A320ceo and 5 A330-200 in addition to the purchase of 25 aircraft including 10 A350-900 and 15 A320neo family aircraft.

The A320 single-aisle jetliner family is the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family, and its versatility will support Kuwait Airways’ range of services - from very short-haul airline routes to intercontinental segments, on operations from challenging in-city airports to high-altitude airfields. Equipped with “Sharklet” wing tip devices, Kuwait Airways’ new A320 will deliver up to 4 percent in fuel savings, as well as provide the airline with additional advantages such as a better rate-of-climb, higher optimum altitude, reduced engine maintenance costs and higher residual aircraft value.

The airline has also decided to equip its new A320 fleet with Airbus’ innovative Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS) technology. This on-board cockpit technology, which Airbus has pioneered independently over several years, increases pilots’ situational awareness during landing, reduces exposure to runway excursion risk, and if necessary, provides active protection.                

Kuwait Airways’ chairwoman, Rasha Al Roumi, said: “This is a defining moment for Kuwait Airways, as we begin to upgrade our fleet. The A320 Sharklet will enable us to provide our customers with a premium product, delivering best-in-class services, whilst offering excellent value for money.” “The incorporation of the Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS) in 7 of our aircraft will allow us to stay at the forefront of technology for safety.” She added.

“As one of the first Middle East airlines, today signifies a new chapter in Kuwait Airways’s history. We are delighted Kuwait Airways has chosen Airbus to renew its fleet and meet its future ambitions. The A320 proven track-record is clearly demonstrating the value our products to both operators and customers. We are confident the aircraft will act as a fast-track towards continued success for Kuwait Airways said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Incorporating all of the benefits from Airbus’ advances in innovation and technology, the A320 includes Airbus’ 18-inch wide seat standard for unmatched passenger comfort, an extra-wide aisle for faster boarding and highly efficient in-flight service, as well as more space for carry-on baggage. Airbus’ fly-by-wire technology will allow for Kuwait Airways’ new A320 to be seamlessly integrated into the airline’s existing fleet.

Airbus Updates No.1259

Airbus Updates No.1258

Airbus delivers first ever A350 XWB to Qatar Airways

Opens a new chapter in aviation history

22 DECEMBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Airbus has delivered the first A350 XWB, the world’s latest generation widebody airliner, to launch customer Qatar Airways. The A350 XWB redefines the way people fly for the coming decades and opens up a new era in comfortable, efficient long-haul air travel when it enters service with Qatar Airways, renowned for leading the industry to new heights in service excellence.

The A350 XWB embodies the most advanced technologies and breakthrough innovations in aerodynamics, light-weight materials and aircraft systems. Powered by ultra-fuel-efficient and very quiet Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines and an extra-wide, bright and spacious cabin, the A350 XWB promises to be a firm favourite with travellers who will discover a whole new way of flying. Airlines will also benefit from unequalled levels of operating efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said, “Receiving the A350 XWB as global launch customer is a very proud moment for Qatar Airways, and after much anticipation, I am delighted that the day has come when we will welcome this latest generation aircraft into our rapidly expanding fleet. 

“In the seven years since we first placed our order for this new aircraft type at the Paris Air Show, investing in a partnership programme with Airbus, there has been significant growth in the airline industry. I am confident that this increase in passenger numbers around the world will only increase further in the years to come, and delighted that Qatar Airways will be leading the way in the aviation sector in offering our passengers the opportunity to travel on board the most modern of airliners in the sky.”

John Rishton, Rolls-Royce, Chief Executive Officer said: “We are very proud to have worked with Qatar Airways and Airbus on the A350 XWB, using the latest technology to deliver new standards in customer service. This is a very important day for everyone at Rolls-Royce. It is the culmination of years of hard work and the start of a new chapter for our business.”

Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO said: “Handing over the first A350 XWB represents a significant step in Airbus and aviation history. The A350 XWB becomes the most modern aircraft in service, developed with our excellence established over 45 years in meeting our customers’ needs. The A350 XWB is the latest Airbus aircraft to join the skies, revolutionising our industry and redefining the way people fly.” He adds: “It is with tremendous pride that we are delivering our first A350 XWB today to our launch customer, Qatar Airways. It’s a perfect match, to be handing over the first of an all-new, world class aircraft to a leading, world class airline.”

The A350 XWB fits seamlessly alongside Qatar Airways’ growing fleet of A380s and A330s, making the carrier the world’s first airline to operate each member of Airbus’ market leading Widebody Family. Qatar Airways’ A350 XWBs, in combination with their A380s and A330s, will offer unprecedented levels of interoperability and comfort on the rapidly expanding Qatar Airways network of excellence.

The A350 XWB is the latest addition to the market-leading Airbus Widebody product line. Offering its customers a game-changing reduction in fuel-burn, the all-new mid-size long-range A350 XWB has carbon fibre fuselage and wings and sets new standards in terms of passenger comfort, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. At the end of November 2014, the A350 XWB had won 778 orders from 41 customers worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1257

Hawaiian Airlines finalizes A330-800neo order

First U.S. airline to order new aircraft type

18 DECEMBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

Following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in July of this year, Hawaiian Airlines has finalized an order for six A330-800neo aircraft. The agreement adds yet another name to the growing list of launch customers for the new aircraft type. The new commitment replaces a previous order placed by Hawaiian for six A350-800s. 

“The A330-800neo is an aircraft which meets all of our needs,” said Mark Dunkerley, President and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. “It is the right size, with the right range and costs, and shares much commonality with our A330-200 fleet. Our customers and crew love the aircraft and we are thrilled that it will continue to be Hawaiian’s widebody mainstay for far into the future.” 

“Working with Hawaiian Airlines is a unique pleasure because their team is truly visionary when it comes to choosing aircraft,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A330-800neo is perfectly suited to Hawaiian’s unique route structure, offering a great balance of range and capacity that will allow the airline to expand its reach to new audiences.”

Hawaiian Airlines currently operates a fleet of 19 A330-200 aircraft, with additional orders for 16 A321neo aircraft on backlog. 

The A330-800neo and the A330-900neo are the two newest members of the Airbus Widebody Family. First deliveries are scheduled to start in late 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 will reduce fuel consumption by 14 percent 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.1256

Etihad Airways receives first Airbus A380

Unmatched service and comfort on two decks

18 DECEMBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

At a ceremony in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines, welcomed the first of its ten new Airbus A380 aircraft. Etihad Airways is the thirteenth airline to operate the A380, and the aircraft is the 150th A380 delivered by Airbus. 

The delivery is set to boost capacity on several of Etihad’s most in-demand routes, taking the airline to new heights as it continues to redefine the flying experience. Setting new benchmarks in onboard product, service, hospitality and style, Etihad Airways has invested in enhancing the passenger experience through the acquisition of Airbus’ game changing A380.

The A380 offers airlines increased capacity, long-haul range, fuel efficiency and improved performance but also immense flexibility in cabin choices, as yet again demonstrated by Etihad Airways. The aircraft is a firm favorite for passengers as it brings an exceptional in-flight experience with a smoother flight, quieter cabin and the highest level of comfort available in the sky.

“Since its inception, Etihad Airways has experienced exponential growth and we’re pleased to have contributed to that success. I am convinced that our flagship, the A380, will provide an efficient solution to support Etihad’s continued expansion,” said Airbus President and CEO, Fabrice Brégier.

Etihad’s A380 is designed to carry 498 guests in four living spaces on the aircraft, including two VIP guests in The Residence by Etihad™, nine guests in the First Apartments, 70 guests in the Business Studio, and 417 guests in Economy SmartSeats. Equipped with the latest entertainment systems and the plush surroundings of Etihad Airways’ interior, passengers can expect an exceptionally comfortable journey. 

Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan, said: “The Etihad Airways A380 will offer a world class travel experience across all cabins. We are delighted to launch this first A380, with nine to follow, which will set a new benchmark for air travel, particularly with the introduction of the Residence by Etihad™, the only three room cabin in the sky.” 

Etihad’s first A380 will make its debut on the popular London Heathrow route, from Abu Dhabi International Airport, in December. By the end of 2015, Etihad Airways will have five A380s in operation, with plans to introduce the aircraft on the airline’s Sydney and New York JFK routes.

Airbus Updates No.1255

Finnair’s first A350 XWB takes shape

16 DECEMBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

The first A350-900 for Finnair is taking shape in the Roger Béteille Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, France. Finnair will be the first European airline to fly the A350 XWB and the third operator in the world. Scheduled for delivery in autumn 2015 the aircraft is now in the fuselage section joining phase. 

Following this, the aircraft will move to wing junction, cabin installation and first power-on, all achieved in one single station. Once these phases are completed, the aircraft will undergo system tests, cabin completion, painting and engine installation before starting the delivery process, including flight testing.

Finnair has a total of 19 A350 XWB on order. The aircraft will be deployed on Finnair’s long-haul routes to Asia and America.

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) will bring a step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category, using 25 per cent less fuel and providing an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions. To date, the A350 XWB has already won 778 firm orders from 41 customers worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1254

AirAsia X places firm order for 55 A330neo

Carrier to benefit from even lower operating costs for long haul services

15 DECEMBER 2014 PRESS RELEASE

AirAsia X, the long haul affiliate of Asia’s largest low cost airline, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 55 A330neo aircraft. This is the largest single order to date for the best-selling A330 Family and reaffirms AirAsia X’s position as the biggest A330 airline customer worldwide, having now ordered a total of 91 aircraft. The announcement covers the firming up of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 50 A330neo signed during the Farnborough Air Show in July 2014, plus an additional five aircraft. Deliveries of the newly-ordered aircraft will begin in 2018.

“This latest deal with Airbus will enable AirAsia X to consolidate its growth rate in 2015-2017 before ramping up deliveries from 2018 onwards.” said Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Co-Founder and Director of AirAsia X. “The A330 has proven itself to be exactly the right aircraft for our business model, combining low operating costs, long range flying capability and high levels of comfort. We are extremely excited about the even greater levels of efficiency that will come with the A330neo, which will play a key role in enabling AirAsia X to maintain its position as the long haul low cost leader.”

“This order from AirAsia X is a major endorsement of the A330neo as the most cost-efficient aircraft in its size category,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers, Airbus. “With the A330neo in its fleet, AirAsia X will benefit from even lower operating costs as it expands it network and reach, enabling more people to fly further more often than ever before. We look forward to AirAsia X becoming one of the first operators of the latest version of the highly successful A330.”

Building on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the A330ceo, the A330neo will incorporate latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. These advances will make the aircraft the most cost-efficient in its size category, with a reduction in fuel consumption of 14% per seat, an increase in non-stop flying range of up to 400 nautical miles and the lowest possible maintenance costs.

The A330 Family is part of the world’s most modern and comprehensive widebody product line, which also includes the larger A350 XWB and double deck A380. Together, the various versions of the aircraft efficiently cover all airline widebody requirements for regional, medium and long haul operations, seating from 250 to over 500 passengers and sharing unique levels of operational commonality.