Five super-jumbos head for China

Manufacturing News, Source : TheManufacturer.com
Published : 31 Jan 2005 10:28

China Southern Airlines is the latest international carrier to order Airbus’ A380 double-decker super jumbo.

The order, for the purchase of five A380s, is the first commitment placed by a Chinese carrier for the A380.

China Southern Airlines chairman Liu Shaoyong said: “We also hope that the acquiring of the A380 will help China become a powerful civil aviation giant.”

Airbus president and CEO Noël Forgeard said the A380 would effectively accommodate ever growing air travel demand in the dynamic Chinese market, and would be able to provide first-class services to 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

The new agreement takes Airbus orders to 154 from 15 customers for the A380 programme.

China Southern Airlines currently has 232 large and medium-sized aircraft, operating out of 17 bases on 660 routes. In 2004, the company achieved a turnover of around 40 million passengers, becoming one of the top ten passenger carriers in the world. Among all Chinese airlines, it boasts the largest fleet with the most bases, most extensive domestic networks and highest flight frequencies. It has been honoured as China’s best airline by TTG Asia Magazine.

Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE Systems.

Comments on this story

click here to add a comment