Afriqiyah Airways places firm order for four more A350 XWBs

Libyan carrier also up-sizes its original order for six A350-800s to larger A350-900s

Blagnac,  12 November 2012

TransAsia Airways of Taiwan has placed a firm order with Airbus for another six A321neo aircraft. The new aircraft will be part of the airline's fleet expansion and will allow it to develop new routes to regional destinations. The aircraft will be powered by Pratt and Whitney PW1100G engines.

The latest contract takes TransAsia Airways' total orders for Airbus single aisle aircraft to 29, of which 11 have already been delivered. The carrier's single aisle backlog now comprises 12 A321neo and six Sharklet-equipped A321ceo. In addition, the airline also has two widebody A330-300s on order, with first delivery scheduled later this year.

"The A321neo is a perfect fit for our strategy to grow efficiently in both domestic and regional markets and is the ideal solution to our fleet needs" said Vincent Lin, Chairman of TransAsia Airways. "With its wide cabin and outstanding fuel performance, the A321neo will bring new levels of comfort to our passengers whilst minimising our environmental footprint."

"With the latest versions of the A321 TransAsia Airways will be operating the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft in the 185-200 seat category," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. "The combination of low fuel burn and extended flying range from Taipei will position the airline well to meet its expansion plans across the fast-growing Asian market."

The A321neo is the largest model in the recently launched A320neo Family. Incorporating new engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, the A320neo Family will deliver fuel savings of 15 percent. The reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel - the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year. In addition, the A320neo Family will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise.

With more than 8,600 aircraft ordered and over 5,200 aircraft delivered to over 374 customers and operators worldwide, the A320 Family is the world's best-selling single-aisle aircraft family.