Libyan Airlines has signed a firm contract for the purchase of 15 Airbus aircraft, including four A350-800s, four A330-200s and seven A320s, thus confirming its initial agreement signed in June this year. The Libyan flag carrier will use the new aircraft to replace and expand its existing fleet.
The A330-200s respond to mid term fleet requirements for new international routes to Asian destinations. The new A320s will be put into service on Libyan Airlines‘ growing network, both domestically and in Europe and the Middle East. With deliveries commencing in 2017, the A350 XWBs will allow the Libyan carrier to further develop its long haul operations in the longer term.
„We are very happy to confirm the purchase by Libyan Airlines of new Airbus aircraft to upgrade and expand our fleet to respond to growing demand and a major expansion of Libyan aviation,“ Tarek Arebi, Chairman and CEO of Libyan Airlines, said. „Operating different types of Airbus aircraft will allow us to fully benefit from the commonality between the aircraft and the cost efficiencies that this represents. This also means that we will have one of the most modern and youngest fleet in the region offering the best comfort to our passengers.“
„We value the confidence that Libyan Airlines places in Airbus by replacing and expanding their fleet with A320s, A330s and A350 XWBs. Libyan traffic growth is expected to grow significantly and having a modern and cost efficient fleet will allow Libyan Airlines to fully take advantage of that potential,“ said Fabrice Bregier, Chief Operating Officer of Airbus. „This Agreement also includes the upgrade of Libyan Airlines‘ extensive maintenance and engineering capabilities to the most up-to-date international standards. We look forward to starting this great challenge together with Libyan Airlines.“
The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) Family is Airbus‘ response to widespread market demand for a series of highly efficient medium-capacity long-range wide-body aircraft. With a range of up to 8,300 nm / 15,400 km, it is available in three basic passenger versions: the A350-800 accommodating 270 passengers, the A350-900 seating 314, and the A350-1000 for 350 passengers. The A350 has the widest fuselage in its category, offering unprecedented levels of comfort, the lowest operating costs and lowest seat mile cost of any aircraft in this market segment. Powered by two new generation Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines delivering each up to 92,000 lbs of thrust, the A350 XWB Family is designed to confront the challenges of high fuel prices, rising passenger expectations, and environmental concerns.
With a true wide-body fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330-200 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit the diverse customer requirements. It has a range of up to 6,750 nm / 12,500 km with a full passenger load. Its large under-floor cargo holds can also carry standard pallets and containers side-by-side. It also has the excellent operational flexibility necessary to serve a wide range of route structures, providing operators with very low operating cost per seat. Its proven record of economy and superior passenger comfort provides operators with a significant competitive advantage in the market today.
The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly by wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range. Over 5,600 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and over 3300 delivered to more than 200 operators worldwide, making it the worlds best selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. In addition, the latest new cabin design saves on weight and offers the passenger a quieter and roomier experience as well as significantly larger overhead stowage lockers. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the world wide standard wide-body system.
Photo: Airbus S.A.S. 2007 – Photo by exm Company / H. Goussé ©
