Airbus kick starts 2007 with orders worth $5.3 billion
24 Jan 2007
Toulouse, France: Airbus has begun 2007 with a kick start, bagging orders from low-cost carrier AirAsia for 50 A320s, plus 50 options valued at $4.6 billion at list prices. The European aviation giant has also finalized an order at the end of 2006 from Spanish tour operator, and Aerolineas Argentinas parent, Grupo Marsans for 12 A330-200s plus 10 options valued at about $2 billion.
Grupo Marsans said the PW4000-powered aircraft will be configured for 280 passengers in two classes and will be used to replace 747-200s. Some will be operated by Aerolineas Argentinas and another of its airline subsidiaries, Air Plus Comet of Spain. Marsans also agreed yesterday to lease two A340-300s for delivery this year.
The AirAsia order brings the number of the airline's firm orders for A320 to 150, plus 50 options. The airline currently operates 15 of the type. With this latest order for the single-aisle jet, the AirAsia Group - Malaysia AirAsia, Thai AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia - becomes one of Airbus's largest customers for its A320.
Last month, Boeing and Airbus both bagged year-ending orders from Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise. The company, which was acquired by the Bank of China in December, picked up 20 single-aisle planes from Airbus and 20 Next Generation 737s from Boeing.