Lufthansa confirms order for 30 Airbus aircraft worth $2.8 billion

2011-07-27 18:54:42 GMT+7 (ICT)

BLAGNAC, FRANCE (BNO NEWS) -- German airline Lufthansa has confirmed an order for 30 new Airbus aircraft worth more than $2.8 billion at list prices, aircraft manufacturer Airbus announced on Wednesday.

Lufthansa's Supervisory Board approved the order for 30 aircraft of the Airbus A320neo family and five Boeing 777 freighters in March of this year, and the order for the Airbus aircraft has now been placed. 'Neo' stands for new engine option.

The Airbus order comprises of 25 A320neo and five A321neo aircraft, which will be powered by new-generation Pratt & Whitney PW1100G turbofan engines. With the order, the Lufthansa Group has purchased a combined total of 443 Airbus aircraft, making it Airbus' biggest airline customer.

"We are proud that Lufthansa has chosen the eco-efficient A320neo Family as its solution for sustainable growth, and one which will fit seamlessly into its existing Airbus A320 fleet," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. "Since its launch in December last year, around 1,200 orders and commitments for the 'neo' have given it the fastest rate of sales ever for any commercial aircraft."

Lufthansa is the largest airline in Europe in terms of overall passengers carried, and the company has an order backlog at Airbus which includes 85 A320 family aircraft, eight A330s, and seven A380s. This includes the new order for 30 aircraft.

Earlier this year, Lufthansa said the new aircraft will strengthen the competitiveness of the airline and help lower operating costs as well as noise levels and emissions. It said in March that the majority of the 30 new aircraft - which are scheduled for delivery in 2016 - will be destined for continental European traffic.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-07-27

A long overdue upgrade. But will th rumoured smoking areas be forthcoming?