Tiger Airways, Asia Pacific’s fast growing low-fare carrier, has signed a contract for an additional 30 Airbus A320s and 20 options. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the Paris Airshow in June 2007.
Tiger Airways currently operates a fleet of nine A320s, with 11 more to be delivered by 2010. With the latest order and option package, Tiger Airways‘ fleet has the ability to grow to 70 A320s.
The A320s will be deployed on the airline’s Asia Pacific and Australian networks that currently extends to 20 services in seven countries, as well as the new Australian domestic operation scheduled to be launched out of Melbourne on 23rd November 2007 (pending regulatory approval). Tiger Airways’ A320s will be configured in a 180-seat, all-economy configuration. No engine choice has been made.
„Tiger Airways is expected to enjoy impressive growth from our Singapore international and Australian domestic networks, and we are expanding our aircraft fleet to meet continued strong demand for affordable air travel across the Asia Pacific region. The new order will take our total fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft to 70, making Tiger Airways one of the region’s largest A320 operators,“ said Tony Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Tiger Airways.
„In just over three years, Tiger Airways has developed into a formidable success story, and we are delighted they did it with our aircraft and are continuing to expand with Airbus jetliners. The A320 is undoubtedly the world’s favourite single-aisle aircraft, offering superb economics and high passenger appeal,“ said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers.
More than 5,300 A320 family aircraft have been ordered by customers worldwide, with almost 1,300 of which are from full-service and low-cost airlines in the Asia-Pacific region. The A320 has a widespread reputation for high dispatch reliability even on short hops, with wide aisles facilitating quick turnarounds for efficient operations.
With advanced fuel-saving aerodynamic design, including wingtip fences and an all-new lighter cabin helping reduce fuel burn even further, the A320 Family is the most environmentally friendly single aisle aircraft in operation. Centralised maintenance with extended servicing intervals and proven reliability in day-to-day service help to give it the lowest operative costs. In addition, the all new cabin design saves on weight and offers the passenger a quieter and roomier experience as well as significantly larger overhead stowage compartments.
The A320 is part of the A320 family, which also includes the A318, A319 and A321 and is recognised as the benchmark in the single-aisle aircraft market. With 150 to 180 seats, the A320 can fly distances up to 3000 nm/5560 km with a full passenger load.
Total orders for the A320 stand at 3145 aircraft. (Results at end of September 2007.)
Photo: Airbus S.A.S. 2005 ©
