Airbus factory boosted by orders for 84 new aircraft
Aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, has logged more than 80 new orders with two clients, boosting the workload at its Broughton factory, near Chester, which makes wings for all its commercial planes.
Global aircraft operating lessor BOC Aviation has signed a firm order for 80 A320neo (new engine option) family aircraft comprising 10 A321XLR, 50 A321neo and 20 A320neo.
Meanwhile, Air France-KLM has finalised its order with Airbus for four new generation A350F freighters, following the earlier commitment announced in December 2021.
The latest agreement with BOC takes its total direct orders with Airbus to 453 aircraft from the single aisle A320 family to the A330 and A350 widebodies.
Robert Martin, BOC managing director and chief executive, said: “We are proud to continue our long standing relationship with Airbus, with whom we have partnered for more than 26 years.
“This is the largest single order that we have ever placed and it will bring our total Airbus aircraft purchased since inception to 546. It underscores our continued confidence in the A320neo family for its reliability and operational efficiency and reflects the popularity of the aircraft amongst our airline customers.”
Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer and head of Airbus International, said: “Airbus thanks BOC Aviation for its unwavering trust and endorsement of the A320neo family with its single largest order ever placed.
“This significant long term order for 80 additional aircraft is a great testimony of the sustained value of our single aisle products by one of the world’s leading lessors. We salute its vision and foresight in securing future delivery positions of these most desirable assets in the single aisle segment now and in the longer run.”
The A320neo family incorporates new generation engines and sharklet wing tips, which together deliver at least 20% fuel and CO2 savings, as well as a 50% noise reduction.
At the end of February 2022 the A320neo family had totalled more than 7,900 orders from in excess of 120 customers. Since its entry into service six years ago, Airbus has delivered more than 2,100 A320neo family aircraft contributing to 10 million tons of CO2 saving.
The Air France-KLM order for four freighters will increase Air France’s cargo capacity.
The A350F is based on the world’s most modern long range leader, the A350. The aircraft will feature a large main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimised for cargo operations.
More than 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials resulting in a 30 tonnes lighter take-off weight, which, together with efficient Rolls-Royce engines, generate an advantage of at least 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 over its current closest competitor.
Christian Scherer said: “Airlines now have a choice, and we salute Air France joining those going for the A350F’s step change in efficiency and sustainability for the cargo operations of the future.
“We are gratified by the wave of early adopters who, like Air France, see the economics and environmental signature of the A350s as standing out versus alternatives, past, existing and future. ”
Launched in 2021, the A350F recorded 29 orders and commitments from five customers
