Airbus seals largest single order of commercial aircraft in history

[News_Editor]

Airbus seals largest single order of commercial aircraft in history

2011-06-24 00:01:27 GMT+7 (ICT)

PARIS (BNO NEWS) -- Airbus on Thursday announced that it sealed a contract with AirAsia for 200 A320neo aircraft, the largest single order of commercial aircraft in history for the A320 Family.

"This landmark deal is the strongest endorsement yet of our decision to invest in the development of the A320neo and further consolidates the market-leading position of the Airbus single aisle product line," said Tom Enders, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer.

The contract was announced at the Paris Air Show. The historic order will make AirAsia, the largest low cost airline in the Asia-Pacific region, the biggest customer for the Airbus single aisle product line worldwide.

"With this historic deal AirAsia has secured its future with the ability to meet the huge growth potential offered by the Asian market," said Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Chief Executive Officer.

In addition, Fernandes announced that its 200 A320neo aircraft will be powered by CFM International’s new LEAP-X engines. With Thursday's deal, AirAsia has placed firm orders for 375 A320 Family airplanes; 89 of them are already in use.

"Our decision to be one of the launch customers for the A320neo will ensure that we remain at the forefront of our business, with one of the world's youngest and most modern fleets," added Fernandes.

AirAsia has established itself as one of the fastest-growing, most innovative and respected airlines in Asia. Its affiliate, AirAsia X, has placed orders for 38 Airbus aircraft as it is also an all-Airbus customer.

The A32neo incorporates new engines and large wing tip devices called sharklets. The aircraft will deliver fuel savings of 15 percent which translates to into some 3,600 tons less CO2 per airplane per year.

In addition, the A320neo will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise. The new member of the A320 Family was the most ordered Airbus aircraft in the 49th Paris Air Show in Le Bourget.

A total of 730 aircraft from 16 customers were ordered. This translated in $72.2 billion worth of business which represented a new record for any commercial aircraft manufacturer at any air show ever.

The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Over 7,000 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,700 delivered to more than 330 customers and operators worldwide.

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