Tue, Jun 19, 2007
MOU Also Includes 18 A320 Family Planes
Airbus's largest plane continued to receive a needed boost
Tuesday in Paris, as Air France signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) for the purchase of two additional A380
superjumbo airliners in Le Bourget.
The MOU -- which also includes 18 A320 Family narrowbodies --
brings Air France's current slate of A380 orders to 12, which
Airbus says confirms the airline's commitment for Airbus' double
deck airliner. The A320s are a step towards Air France's goal of
eventually operating an all-Airbus single-aisle fleet.
"The A380 is a remarkable aircraft, setting new standards in air
travel, and giving us the extra passenger capacity we need for our
extra long haul flights. Hence our wish to boost our Airbus A380
fleet further", said Air France President Jean-Cyril Spinetta.
"With lower emissions and fuel burn per passenger, the A380 is also
our response to environmental concerns. Equally our brand new A320
Family aircraft fleet will continue our long history of outstanding
results with the A320 Family", he added.
The first European carrier to
operate the A380, Air France will fly the A380s from its
Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub to Asian and North American
destinations, starting in spring 2009. Air France will configure
the A380s in a comfortable three class layout. The aircraft will be
powered by Engine Alliance engines.
With 145 aircraft in service, Air France already operates one of
the world's largest Airbus single aisle fleets. The latest
generation A320s and A321s ordered by Air France are equipped with
updated cabins and low fuel burn, new generation CFM International
CFM56 engines. The aircraft will be operated on domestic and
European routes.
"We are honored to receive this renewed vote of confidence for
our state of the art aircraft from one of our most valued
customers," said Airbus CEO Louis Gallois. "Air France was the
first carrier to fly Airbus aircraft and the first in the world to
operate aircraft from the entire Single Aisle Family. Their
commitment means a lot to us."
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