Places Options For 60 Additional Aircraft

Airbus can add 30 more aircraft to the 2006 order book -- and while it's not the largest order the European consortium has received lately, this one might be especially sweet as those A320s will be replacing an equal number of Boeing 737s in Italian carrier Air One's fleet.

Air One, the second largest airline in Italy, signed the contract with Airbus Wednesday. Over time, the A320s will phase out Air One's current fleet of 737-400s, -300s and hushkit-equipped -230s. The airline is a new customer for Airbus.

Air One also placed options for 60 additional A320s, according to Airbus, with an eye on expanding it current roster of 23 cities served in Europe.

"After a lengthy and very detailed evaluation of competing aircraft, we are fully convinced to have chosen the most efficient and comfortable aircraft available, said Air One president Carlo Toto.

The new A320s, powered by CFM International CFM56-5B6/P engines, will offer a two-class cabin layout for up to 159 passengers, according to Airbus.

"Airbus is delighted that Air One has become such an important Airbus customer by choosing the A320 Family," said Gustav Humbert, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus. "We are confident that the aircraft's advanced technology and efficiency, as well as its popularity with passengers and crews, and its market-leading environmental characteristics, will greatly contribute to Air One’s continued growth into new markets."

To date, Airbus has received nearly 4,000 orders for aircraft in the A320 family, and has a backlog of over 1,300.

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.flyairone.it/en/