UPDATE 11.26PM: Air Lease Corporation (ALC), the Los Angeles based aircraft leasing company, has announced a Memorandum of Understanding for 25 A330-900neo aircraft, becoming the first launch customer for the new Airbus Widebody.
ALC simultaneously announced a firm order for 60 A321neo aircraft. The contact was signed today at the Farnborough International Airshow by Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Air Lease Corporation’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO.
“The recently launched A330neo is a well-suited addition to ALC’s fleet as we continue to provide our customers with the most modern, fuel efficient aircraft on the market,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Air Lease Corporation’s chairman and CEO.
“The A330neo, like the A320neo family, will have success in the medium range segment due to its combination of high reliability, exceptional comfort and low operating costs. We see a significant market opportunity for the A330neo and we’re pleased that the first order bears ALC’s name. The A321neo credentials, such as its lower fuel-burn, high reliability and wider cabin, also fit well in our product portfolio of innovative, profitable aircraft.”
Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO said: “When a leading lessor, ALC, is the first to sign up for a new aircraft, it’s a loud and clear signal that you’ve got it right. This significant order is a strong endorsement of both our A330neo and A320neo, confirming they fully meet the needs of the world’s most demanding airlines.
“The continuing success of the A320neo, paves the way for the A330neo and proves that our incremental innovation strategy to deliver reliable, innovative and efficient products at the right time, is what the market wants.”
EARLIER: Airbus has launched the A330-800neo and A330-900neo, two new members of its widebody family.
The new planes will incorporate latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features.
Airbus also claims the A330neo reduces fuel consumption by 14% per seat, making it the most cost efficient, medium range widebody aircraft on the market.
Deliveries of the A330neo will start in Q4 2017.
“The A330 is a very important margin contributor for our Group. It’s also one of the most reliable and efficient commercial aircraft,” said Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus Group.
“With our decision to re-engine the plane, we will keep the A330 flying high for many more years to come. The development costs for the A330neo will be incurred from 2015 to 2017 with an impact of around -70 basis points on Airbus Group’s 2015 Return on Sales target. However, we have a very good business case and the A330neo, once in service, will continue to significantly contribute to our group’s earnings,”
“The A330neo is the logical evolution of our reliable and versatile A330 family. It provides an optimal solution for airlines around the world looking to minimise their fuel and operating costs while offering best-in-class comfort to their passengers,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus president and CEO.
“We see strong market potential for the A330neo, and like its smaller sister, the A320neo, we are confident this new aircraft will be a success in the medium-haul segment. We are again leveraging a proven aircraft with a wide operator base and making it even more efficient with the latest innovations and technology developments.”
In addition to the new Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo will feature incremental innovations, including aerodynamic enhancements such as new A350 XWB inspired winglets, an increased wing span and new engine pylons.
Pilots will benefit from latest generation cockpit systems, and the A330 cabin will offer up to 10 additional 18-inch wide seats. Passengers will be able to enjoy 3D films, mood-lighting and full connectivity.
