Aeroflot signs for 11 Airbus A330-300 aircraft
The Russian flag carrier, Aeroflot, signed a firm contract with Airbus for the purchase of 11 A330-300 aircraft. The newly ordered A330-300s will feature a spacious two class cabin layout seating around 300 passengers. The airline is planning to operate the aircraft on its extended network of long-haul destinations.
“We are delighted that our long-standing partner Aeroflot continues to choose the A330 for the further development of its wide-body fleet. With proven passenger appeal, the A330 is providing unbeatable economic efficiency, making it the perfect choice for medium capacity operations. This order underscores the continued and strong popularity of the A330 with the world’s leading airlines”, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.
Aeroflot was the first Airbus customer and operator in Russia, with A310s entering service back in 1992. It was also the first airline in the CIS to operate the A319, the A321 and in November 2008 the A330 Family. Over the years the carrier’s Airbus fleet has increased dramatically. At the moment Aeroflot is flying 64 A320 Family aircraft and 10 leased A330s, making it the biggest Airbus operator in the region. Additionally in 2007 Aeroflot placed a firm order for 22 A350 XWBs.
Airbus has been developing a successful trans-national cooperation with Russia for more than 15 years. This includes the implementation of a wide range of research and technology projects, the establishment of an Airbus Engineering Centre in Moscow (ECAR), the production of Airbus aircraft components at Russian plants, titanium purchase and the Passenger to Freighter (P2F) programme.
The Airbus A330 remains the most economic means of flying some 300 passengers on medium range routes in true long haul comfort. As well as offering unbeatable operating economics and productivity, the A330 is also one of the world’s most fuel efficient aircraft.
With a true wide-body fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330-300 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit a range of customer requirements. It has a range of up to 5,650 nm / 10,500 km with a full passenger load. Highly efficient and optimized for the medium – to extended range market, the A330-300 offers the best balance between range and cost. Orders for the A330 stand at more than 1000 aircraft.
Source: AIRBUS
