Air Arabia takes delivery of first new A320 order

Wednesday, 27 October 2010 00:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Air Arabia, a major low-cost carrier in the Mena region, has taken delivery of the first of 44 A320 aircraft ordered in 2007 and 2008.

The airline, which celebrates its seventh anniversary this month, received the new aircraft during a signing ceremony that took place on 22 October, at the Airbus facility in Hamburg, Germany.

Air Arabia had placed orders for 34 A320s in 2007 and 10 in 2008.

The delivery of the 44 aircraft order will take place between 2010 and 2016, and will more than double the size of Air Arabia’s existing fleet of 23 aircraft, in line with its aim to increase its total operating fleet to over 50 aircraft by 2016.

“Our aim to become one of the world’s leading airlines in terms of profit margin, innovation, reputation, and operational excellence has taken a step closer to reality with today’s delivery of our first of 44 Airbus A320 aircraft,” said Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, chairman, Air Arabia.

“As we receive more aircraft in the months to come, we will expand our network to further expand our operations in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.”

“We have chosen to invest in the Airbus A320 line due to the outstanding record this type of aircraft enjoys, in which our valued customers will directly benefit from. We look forward to the delivery of the second aircraft in December 2010, and we anticipate even greater growth in the coming years,” he added.

John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer, customers, said: “We are delighted Air Arabia has placed their trust in our A320 and we look forward to working together to achieving their ambitious expansion plans.”

“The A320 is without doubt the leading single aisle product, delivering unbeatable productivity and passenger comfort,” Leahy added.