Hawaiian Airlines Inc., Hawaii’s largest airline, has signed a firm order for six A350 XWB-800s and six A330-200s. This deal finalises a Memorandum of Understanding announced in November 2007.
The airline will begin receiving their new A330s in 2012, and will take delivery of their first A350 in 2017. Both models will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent engines.
This is Hawaiian’s first order for an Airbus aircraft, and is the first step in the airline’s plan to replace its current widebody fleet. The A330 and A350 will allow the airline to expand its long-range fleet, opening new non-stop routes on more distant markets from Hawaii. Hawaiian Airlines‘ A350 XWB-800s will seat 322 passengers in a two-class configuration and the A330-200 will transport 305 passengers in two classes.
„A new customer for a new aircraft type is the kind of endorsement we’re seeing more of, thanks to an evolving product line that delivers the aircraft that today’s market and environment demand,“ said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. „The A330 and the new A350XWB will both help this outstanding airline to grow its horizons and its already outstanding reputation.“
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. Each version of the A350 XWB Family is designed to confront the challenges of high fuel prices, rising passenger expectations, and environmental concerns. Together, they provide unparalleled scope for forward fleet planning.
With a true widebody fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330-200 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit diverse customer requirements. It has excellent operational flexibility, serving a wide range of route structures, and provides operators with very low operating cost per seat. Its proven record of economy and superior passenger comfort provides airlines with a significant competitive advantage in today’s market.
The nation’s top-ranked airline for service in the 2007 Airline Quality Ratings, Hawaiian Airlines is the state’s biggest and longest-serving airline, as well as the second largest provider of passenger air service between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. Hawaiian offers non-stop service to Hawaii from more U.S. gateway cities than any other airline (nine), as well as service to Australia, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 100 daily jet flights among the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (AMEX: HA). Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com.
Photo: Airbus S.A.S. 2006 ©
