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Airbus to Showcase Latest Products at Singapore Airshow

Highlighting civil and military products / ACJ318 on static display

6 February 2012 Press Release

Airbus will be a major participant at this year’s Singapore Airshow, showcasing both its commercial and military transport products. The show takes place at Changi Exhibition Centre, Singapore, 14 – 19 February 2012.

Centre-stage at the Airbus exhibit, located at the stand of parent company EADS (H23), will be a large scale model of the all-new A350 XWB. Currently under development and scheduled to enter service in 2014, the A350 XWB will shape new levels of efficiency in the mid-size long range passenger market, using 25% less fuel than similar sized aircraft in-service today.

Also on display will be a model of the A320neo. Set to enter service in 2015, this latest version of the A320 Family has become the fastest-selling airliner ever, with nearly 1,300 firm orders since its launch at the end of 2010. Featuring new engines and innovative wing tip Sharklets, the aircraft will deliver fuel-savings of 15 per cent, as well as a significantly reduced carbon and noise footprint.

Visitors to the stand will also be able obtain information on the products offered by Airbus Military. These include the A330 MRTT multi-role tanker which first entered service last year and is proving to be the industry reference in its class, as well as the new A400M airlifter, on track for delivery on the turn of the year 2012-2013. The company’s range of light and medium transport aircraft will also be highlighted with a C295 surveillance aircraft model.

Reflecting the important demand in Asia for private aircraft, Airbus will exhibit an ACJ318 on static display for the first time in Singapore. With the widest and tallest cabin of any private jet, this corporate version of Airbus’s smallest aircraft model features an attractive interior with a lounge area and a private office / sleeping area with en-suite bathroom.

Airbus will also be present at the Green Pavilion, organised in association with the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Here visitors will be able to get the latest information on the company’s initiatives to ensure an eco-efficient future for the industry, including its latest work on alternative fuels and air traffic management.

Airbus comes to the Singapore Airshow following the most successful year in its history, having recorded a total of 1,608 new firm orders for its civil product line and delivered 534 aircraft to airlines worldwide. The company has been especially successful in the Asia-Pacific region, where it has over 1,800 aircraft flying with 85 airlines and a backlog of orders for over 1,700 aircraft for future delivery.

Notes for Editors

Airbus will hold the following media briefings on Wednesday 15 February at the show site:

10.00 – 11.30  Press Conference with Airbus Management

Commercial Update / Asia-Pacific Market Forecast

Conference Room 3, Main Exhibition Hall

14.00 – 14.45  Airbus Military Product Update

Conference Room 3, Main Exhibition Hall

February 13, 2012 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

AviancaTaca Firms up Order for 51 Eco-efficient A320 Aircraft

Purchase agreement is biggest for a single customer in Latin America history

26 January 2012 Press Release

AviancaTaca, which includes subsidiary AeroGal of Ecuador, has signed a purchase agreement for 33 eco-efficient A320neo and 18 A320 Family aircraft. The order, which is the largest from a single airline in the region in terms of number of aircraft, follows a MOU signed during the Le Bourget Air Show in Paris in June 2011.

The new aircraft will support AviancaTaca’s expansion into new markets in Latin America, while keeping the airline’s fleet among the youngest in the region.

“With this order AviancaTaca and our subsidiaries will continue the modernization process that includes fleet renewal as its primary focus,” said Fabio Villegas, President of AviacaTaca. “Our goal is to offer travelers the most comfortable and efficient aircraft in the market, and we are proud that the A320neo aircraft is recognized for its eco-efficiency and cutting-edge technology,”

“At Airbus, we are very proud of our contribution to the success story of AviancaTaca,” said John Leahy, Airbus’ Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Thanks to its unbeatable operating costs and the comfort it offers to passengers, the A320 Family has become the first choice for single-aisle aircraft among the most important operators worldwide.”

AviancaTaca has placed firm orders for 190 Airbus aircraft (including the latest 51) and has currently in service 88 A320 Family aircraft and eight A330. AviancaTaca operates the entire A320 Family, A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft.

Over 8,300 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and some 5,000 delivered to more than340 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft Family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. The reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel – the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6, and this aircraft also has a considerably smaller noise footprint.

To date, Airbus has sold 666 aircraft in Latin America and has a backlog of 351. The number of Airbus aircraft in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean reaches 435 units. In the last 10 years, Airbus tripled its in-service fleet, while delivering more than 60 percent of all aircraft operating in the region.

January 26, 2012 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Stunning A320neo sales success continues in 2012

25 January 2012 Press Release

Norwegian, one of the largest low-cost airlines in Europe, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 100 A320neo aircraft. The agreement, which makes Norwegian the latest customer for the A320neo and also a new customer for Airbus, was signed by Bjørn Kjos, Chief Executive Officer, Norwegian and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

The new aircraft will support Norwegian’s growth and modernisation strategy.  Norwegian (the brand name of Norwegian Air Shuttle AS) operates a network across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East, and is rapidly expanding its low cost operations. The new aircraft will feature a single class cabin layout, seating approximately 180 passengers. Norwegian’s engine decision will be announced at a later date.

“The A320neo will enable us increasing capacity while decreasing our operating costs,” said Bjørn Kjos, Chief Executive Officer, Norwegian. “With this aircraft we will continue to boost our reputation for offering high quality, low fares service with the most modern and eco-efficient fleet of aircraft in Scandinavia”.

“We are very pleased to welcome Norwegian as an all-new Airbus customer. Their A320neo commitment is a further demonstration of the undisputable success of the A320neo’s record-setting credentials. The A320neo sets new industry standards for eco-efficiency and passenger appeal.” said John Leahy.

Over 8,300 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and some 5,000 delivered to more than 340 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft Family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. The reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel – the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6, and this aircraft also has a considerably smaller noise footprint.

January 25, 2012 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.

Major Production Achievement for Airbus’ Modern, Single-aisle Aircraft Family

20 January 2012 Press Release

Airbus delivered the A320 with manufacturer serial number (MSN) 5000 to Lebanon’s national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA). The aircraft was delivered from Airbus in Hamburg, Germany and is powered by International Aero Engines V2500 engines.

MSN5000 completes the deliveries of MEA’s total order for seven A320s. It marks a significant milestone for Airbus and the A320 Family going into 2012, as production rises from 38 to 40 per month during the first quarter of the year, and orders for the new A320neo reaffirm Airbus’ single-aisle Family as the most modern, fuel efficient in their category. MEA operates one of the most modern fleets in the region with four A330-200s, six A321 and including MSN5000, now seven A320 aircraft.

“We are honoured to become the operator of this brand new A320 with its distinctive serial number 5000 during the 25th anniversary year of the first flight of the A320 said MEA Chairman- Director General, Mohamad El Hout. “Since we first acquired an A320 Family aircraft in 2003, we have not only benefited from the outstanding operational efficiency of the aircraft but were also the first airline in the Middle East to introduce our wide-body cabin product on a single-aisle aircraft, thus offering our customers state of the art on-board entertainment with Audio/Video On Demand as well as a superbly comfortable and spacious cabin experience that has greatly contributed to MEA’s success.”

“Handing MSN5000 over to MEA is a real pleasure for Airbus. The Lebanese flag carrier has shown great courage maintaining its operations in the face of difficulty,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. “It’s only natural that we pay tribute to MEA’s outstanding determination and recognise their unfailing loyalty with this landmark delivery. We look forward to seeing MEA continue to thrive and grow their network with our modern, fuel efficient Airbus family.”

Close to 8,300 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,900 delivered to more than 350 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality with the current A320, making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

January 22, 2012 I Written By

I'm Dave and I am a proud Avgeek. It goes way beyond liking airplanes. It is a passion that cannot be subdued.