Air Europa Orders Three

Air Europa of Spain Tuesday became the first airline to commit to the A350-800, Airbus’ new 245-seater aircraft only on offer since 10th December, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding for 10 aircraft and 2 further options. The airline said its decision came after a rigorous evaluation of the aircraft’s performance and efficiency with the aircraft due to be delivered between 2010 and 2012.

To power the aircraft, Air Europa has picked GEnx engines from GE Aircraft Engines and will carry between 300 and 330 seats. As part of Air Europa’s plans to expand its current fleet, it has signed a contract for delivery of one A340-200 leased from Airbus in 2005 and intends to lease two new A330-200s in the spring of 2006.

Airbus bases the design of the A350 on the wide-body A330, with between 245 to 285 seats and long-range capabilities. Complementing the existing A330 and A340 product line, the A350-800/900 offers the same external dimensions with a 245 and 285 seat capacity respectively, an increased range up to 8,600 NM, new generation engines, that provide about 12-percent lower fuel consumption, new wings and a lighter structure employing an increased amount of composite material. The same type rating for pilots will allow Air Europa to optimize efficiency with the A340-200 and the A330-200. The application of the latest state of the art technology in the cabin will provide for best passenger and crew comfort.

"This commitment will without doubt be a key element in the complete renewal of the Air Europa wide-body fleet, making it one of the most modern fleet on the continent and allowing our company to continue with its growth strategy," stated Juan Jose Hidalgo, Executive President of the Globalia Group and parent company of Air Europa.

"Only days after the approval from our shareholders to offer this aircraft on the market, Airbus is already in the position to announce its first customer for the A350, demonstrating that the A350 indeed correspond to market needs," said Airbus CEO Noel Forgeard. "Air Europa is a fast growing airline in a market that is very important and we are proud of their confidence. We are sure it will be followed soon by more airlines showing their interest in this latest Airbus product."

A leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive product line on the market, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the US, China and Japan. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE Systems.

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.air-europa.com