Intrepid Aviation Also Signs Deal For 20 A330 Freighters

The 2007 Paris Air Show has already proven to be highly lucrative for Airbus... and there are a few more days still to go. On Wednesday, the European planemaker announced deals from India's Kingfisher Airlines and Etihad Airways, the national airline for the United Arab Emirates. The company also signed a new order with Intrepid Aviation Group for the A330-200F Freighter.

Kingfisher Airlines agreed to purchase up to 50 aircraft from Airbus. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Vijay Mallya, UB Group Chairman, the parent company of Kingfisher Airlines and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers, and includes 15 A350-800 XWBs, in addition to the five converted from the carrier's original order for the A350. The deal also covers 10 A330-200s, five A340-500s and 20 A320 Family aircraft.

"Our strategy at Kingfisher is to open new long haul routes and expand existing ones. With the A340-500 and then the A350 XWB we will be able to offer direct routes between India and the United States for example. The A330 will allow us to expand services to Europe and the A320s will help us to meet demand in our home region," said Mallya (shown below).

Etihad Airways signed a firm contract for the purchase of 12 Airbus wide-body aircraft, including the newest model in its freighter product range, the A330-200F. The order is for five A330-200s, four A340-600s and three A330-200Fs.

The agreement was signed by James Hogan, Etihad Chief Executive and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers at a ceremony in Le Bourget. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Airways, and Louis Gallois, Airbus President and CEO also attended the ceremony.

"This aircraft order will enable Etihad to continue its impressive route network growth which now stands at 43 global destinations. Each Airbus aircraft within the new order has been specifically chosen to fit our ambitious development plans" said James Hogan, Etihad Chief Executive.

At present, Etihad have a fleet of 21 Airbus aircraft with 11 to be delivered. Taking the latest order into account, the Etihad Airbus fleet will grow to 44 aircraft.

And speaking of the A330-200F, Intrepid Aviation Group handed Airbus its largest order to date for the upcoming freighter, with a signed order for 20 A330-200Fs. The deal follows a letter of intent signed last year.

"Based on the Intrepid team's experience, knowledge of freight operations and economics, and analysis of future requirements, we are confident this is the right aircraft for our customers and for the future of air freight," said Ron Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of Intrepid Aviation Group. "We are very pleased to be a launch customer for the type, and know that the performance of the A330F will enhance both our reputation and that of Airbus as forward-thinking forces in the air freight industry."

"Leasing companies such as Intrepid are great prophets for our industry," said Airbus President and CEO Louis Gallois. "Their decision is based on their vision of the future for operators worldwide. When they choose our aircraft, it's a great endorsement of the Airbus concept and product. Intrepid was formed by a team with decades of experience in the business, and we are honored that their first new Airbus purchase is for our newest freighter. This plane is going places."

And, for this week anyway, so is Airbus.

FMI: www.airbus.com