Firm Order For 78 A320neo & 32 A320s

October 6, 2011 — Qantas and Airbus have finalised a contract for 110 A320 Family aircraft, to help with the airline’s fleet renewal and expansion plans in the coming years. The firm order for 78 A320neo and 32 A320s is the largest single order in Australian aviation history by aircraft units and follows a commitment signed in August.

The new aircraft will be deployed across the Qantas Group on short to medium haul domestic and international operations and underpin the airline’s commitment to build a fleet with the most fuel efficient and reliable aircraft in the market.

“The Airbus A320 will be the launch aircraft for Qantas’ new, premium airline based in Asia and will support Jetstar’s expansion plans – including the establishment of Jetstar Japan,” said Alan Joyce, Qantas CEO. “The A320 Family’s outstanding operational efficiency and comfort, plus its environmental credentials, make it the right choice for the Qantas Group.”

“We are delighted that our A320neo and A320s are playing a vital role in Qantas’ future strategy,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Coming from one of the world’s great aviation pioneering companies, this order is a great endorsement of Airbus and of our eco-efficient aircraft products.”

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family to enter service in 2015. It incorporates latest generation engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel and CO2 emission savings.

A320 Family orders to date already exceed 7,900, reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. To date over 4,790 have been delivered to over 330 customers and operators worldwide. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality with the existing A320 models while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload. It is offered with engines from CFM International’s LEAP-X or Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1100G.

Qantas will make its engine decision at a later date.

Airbus has received 1,245 A320neo orders and commitments since its launch just ten months ago, in December 2010.

Fleet Expansion With World’s Most Efficient Single Aisle Aircraft

June 23, 2011 — India’s GoAir, ‘The Fly Smart Airline”, has selected the A320neo for its long term fleet expansion plans with a firm order for 72 aircraft. The agreement was signed at the 49th Le Bourget Airshow.

Airbus delivered GoAir’s first A320 in 2007 from its original order of 20 A320s placed in 2006. The airline currently operates 10 A320s with an average age of two years which makes it the youngest airline fleet in India. It’ll take delivery of the other 10 aircraft over the next two years.

“Today we have shown our commitment to the growth of our airline and to our loyal customers. The combined order for 92 Airbus aircraft (20 A320s and 72 A320neo) reinforces our longstanding partnership with the leading manufacturer and the leading aircraft the market has to offer,” said Jeh Wadia, Managing Director, Go Airlines.

“We are delighted with GoAir’s endorsement of our A320neo. As an established operator of the A320, GoAir clearly recognises the benefits and productivity gains of being able to operate A320s and A320neo harmoniously in a single fleet,” said Tom Enders, President and Chief Executive Officer, Airbus.

Over 7,000 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,700 delivered to more than 330 customers and operators worldwide. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload.

The A320neo, available from 2015, incorporates new more efficient engines and large wing tip devices called “Sharklets” delivering significant fuel savings of 15 percent, which is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel per aircraft per year, or the consumption of 1,000 mid sized cars. This saves 3,600 tonnes of CO2 annually per aircraft. In addition, the A320neo provides a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise.