Intrepid Aviation Group has signed with Airbus a firm order for the purchase of 20 A330-200Fs, the newest freighter model offered by Airbus. This is the largest order received for this aircraft so far. Following a letter of intent signed in the fourth quarter of last year, Intrepid’s order has deliveries starting in 2010 and running through 2012.
The aircraft will be leased by Intrepid to its cargo customers worldwide. Though it has broad experience in worldwide trading and leasing of freighter aircraft, including A300 and A310 freighters, this is the first time Intrepid has purchased new Airbus aircraft.
“Based on the Intrepid team’s experience, knowledge of freight operations and economics, and analysis of future requirements, we are confident this is the right aircraft for our customers and for the future of air freight,” said Ron Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of Intrepid Aviation Group. “We are very pleased to be a launch customer for the type, and know that the performance of the A330F will enhance both our reputation and that of Airbus as forward-thinking forces in the air freight industry.”
“Leasing companies such as Intrepid are great prophets for our industry,” said Airbus President and CEO Louis Gallois. “Their decision is based on their vision of the future for operators worldwide. When they choose our aircraft, it’s a great endorsement of the Airbus concept and product. Intrepid was formed by a team with decades of experience in the business, and we are honoured that their first new Airbus purchase is for our newest freighter. This plane is going places.”
Depending on the selected version, the A330-200F can carry up to 64 metric tons over 4,000 nautical miles / 7400 km or 69 metric tons up to 3,200 nautical miles / 5930 km – non-stop. That range will offer airlines the opportunity to ramp-up services in low-frequency, long-haul markets, developing new routes and responding to market growth. Thanks to an optimized fuselage cross-section, it has the interior flexibility to carry a wide variety of pallet and container sizes for maximum interlining capability, offering 30 percent more volume than any freighter in its class. The A330-200F is a derivative of the very popular A330/340 Family aircraft with orders in excess of 1100 units worldwide.
