Thu, Oct 02, 2008
Sometimes, Only Four Engines Will Do
In today's environment of high fuel prices and a precarious
global economy, one might find any airline's decision to order a
four-engined airliner to be, well, slightly odd. Nevertheless,
Nigerian private airline Arik Air signed a firm contract this week
to buy three Airbus A340-500s.
Airbus says the new order makes Arik Air the 10th customer for
the quad-engined A340-500, which can fly 313 passengers over 8,650
nautical miles -- range second only to Boeing's twin-engined
777-200LR "Worldliner."
Arik Air planes to use the long-legged planes on new routes to
London, New York and Houston. The aircraft are powered by
Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines and will provide the best possible
passenger comfort in a two-class configuration.
"This aircraft order will enable Arik Air to start international
connections with new and modern aircraft that will support our
objective to become one of Africa's key airlines that operate at
international standards with new aircraft, top maintenance and
where security and quality come first," said Mr. Arumemi-Johnson,
Chairman of Arik Air.
Airbus states all three planes will be delivered by the end of
November 2008... far sooner than any comparable twin-engine
airliner from either Airbus or Boeing could be shipped.
"Arik Air is one of Africa's most dynamic airlines and we are
proud that they have selected the A340 to develop their
international network," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating
Officer Customers.
"With the A340-500 offering outstanding performance, range and
unparalleled levels of passenger comfort, I look forward to the
start of our partnership. We support their development in and
outside Africa."
More News
From 2023 (YouTube Version): Legacy of a Titan Robert (Bob) Anderson Hoover was a fighter pilot, test pilot, flight instructor, and air show superstar. More so, Bob Hoover was an i>[...]
Get The Latest in Aviation News NOW on Instagram Are you on Instagram yet? It's been around for a few years, quietly picking up traction mostly thanks to everybody's new obsession >[...]
Aero Linx: B-52H Stratofortress The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic spee>[...]
Altimeter Setting The barometric pressure reading used to adjust a pressure altimeter for variations in existing atmospheric pressure or to the standard altimeter setting (29.92).>[...]
"Knowing that we play an active part in bettering people's lives is extremely rewarding. My team and I are very thankful for the opportunity to be here and to help in any way we ca>[...]