Joy at Airbus as it lands a plane contract ‘worth $1bn’

 

PLANE-MAKER Airbus has landed a contract for new aircraft worth an estimated $1.1 billion which will directly benefit the aerospace industry in the South West.

The six A330s will be part built at the firm’s factory in Filton and have been ordered at a time when most airlines are canceling or delaying orders for new planes.

Yesterday the company revealed that Hong Kong Airlines had signed a memorandum of understanding for six A330-200 aircraft.

The latest deal means the airline, which is planning to expand its operations in the Far East, is now planning to take on a total of 23 new A330s.

Airbus, which has been struggling as a result of the global downturn in aviation, last week announced it is increasing its listed price for aircraft. A standard A330 now costs about $190 million.

John Leahy is in charge of selling Airbus planes to customers across the world.

The chief operating manager said: “This latest commitment from Hong Kong Airlines underscores once again the popularity of the A330 as the right aircraft right now for quality airlines across the world.

“The A330 remains the most efficient aircraft in its size category flying today, providing airlines with the ability to maximise profit potential on a wide range of operations.”

Yang Jian Hong, president of Hong Kong Airlines, said: “The A330-200 offers the perfect range and size capability to enable us to expand into new medium and long haul markets.aid Yang Jian Hong, president of Hong Kong Airlines.

“With these aircraft in our fleet, we are aiming to create new standards in comfort and service and to establish our company as a premium brand in new international markets.”

Set up in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines currently operates a network which connects Hong Kong with destinations in mainland China and Asia.

In addition to its fleet of A330s, the carrier also has 30 single-aisle A320 aircraft on order.

Meanwhile. talks are still taking place between the company and European ministers in a bid to resolve the dispute over funding for the A400M European military transporter.

The talks between Airbus parent EADS and seven NATO nations are being held in Berlin over the massive cost overruns of the project.