Tue, Mar 03, 2009
Air France Takes Delivery Of Milestone Plane
European planemaker Airbus recently delivered the 500th A321
ever produced. The aircraft was handed over to Air France at
Airbus' Delivery Centre in Hamburg.
The A321 is the largest member of the popular A320 Family.
Airbus says it is the most efficient single-aisle aircraft in its
segment -- which consists of larger variants of Boeing's
Next-Generation 737 line, as well as the discontinued Boeing
757.
Air France's A321 can accommodate 174 passengers, and is powered
by CFM 56-5B/3 engines.
"Air France was the first airline to operate the A320 and in our
75th anniversary year we are pleased to be receiving the 500th
A321, the largest member of the family. Air France was also the
first major airline to operate all four members of the A320 Family
in 2003 and they have served us on our medium haul network and will
continue to do so", said Pierre Vellay, Senior VP New Aircraft and
Corporate Fleet Planning Air France.
"We are delighted that Air France continues to renew its medium
haul fleet with A321s; the preferred aircraft on medium range
high-density routes," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating
Officer, Customers. "Airbus invests around 100 million Euros every
year to keep the A320 the most eco-efficient single aisle aircraft
in the world. Reaching the milestone of 500 deliveries proves the
sustainability of these investments and underlines the leading
position of the A321 in its market segment in terms of operational
efficiency, passenger comfort and environmental friendliness."
The first A321 was delivered in 1994, as well as the first one
to the Air France Group. To date, Airbus has sold more than 750
A321s to about 65 customers all around the world.
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