Will Be Used On International Routes

Adding another piece to the "December Surprise" puzzle of Airbus's 2005 sales order tally, the European consortium announced Friday that Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) placed an order last year for three single-aisle A320s, to be configured for ANA's international routes. The Japanese carrier also plans to lease two additional A320s.

With the introduction of five A320s to its fleet, ANA is planning to expand its network to destinations in China. The Japanese airline company currently operates 28 A320s.

"We are extremely pleased that Japan's first A320 operator has again chosen A320s to increase its single aisle fleet," said Airbus President & CEO Gustav Humbert. "The decision by ANA is a testimony that the operational reliability and global efficiency of the A320 has been highly evaluated by the Japanese company."

"We are very proud to have been selected by Japan's leading airline ANA again, and represents a further milestone for Airbus' development in Japan," added Humbert.

ANA became Airbus' second Japanese customer when it ordered ten A320s in 1987. Since the aircraft entered service with the carrier early in 1991, ANA has increased its total firm orders for the A320 to 31. ANA also operates seven of its sister aircraft, the A321.

ANA's A320s will be equipped with CFM International CFM56-5B4/P engines.

Firm orders for the Airbus A320 Family now stand at more than 4,200 aircraft. The Airbus A320 family has been ordered by, or is in service with, more than 200 customers and operators worldwide.

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.anaskyweb.com