Airbus with new order record at Paris Air Show 2011: AirAsia, GoAir, Skymark, ...
- Orders and Commitments worth US$72 billion .
- 730 Airbus aircraft from 16 customers .
- A320neo sees over 1,000 commitments since launch .
At the 49th Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, Airbus won about US$72.2 billion worth of business for a total of 730 aircraft. This success sets a new record for any commercial aircraft manufacturer at any air show ever. The commitments comprise Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 312 aircraft worth US$28.2 billion and firm purchase orders for 418 aircraft worth around US$44.0 billion.
The A320neo Family was clearly the star of the week and proved irresistible to airlines and lessors alike, by winning an unprecedented 667 commitments worth some US$60.9 billion. Furthermore, this means that total A320neo Family backlog since its launch in December 2010 has now reached 1,029 units, making it by far the best selling airliner in the history of commercial aviation.
In addition to the A320neo Family’s success, the standard A320 Family also continues to be popular, having received 34 commitments worth US$2.8 billion at the show. Commitments were also received for 11 A330s worth US$2.4 billion, six A350s worth US$1.6 billion, and 12 A380s worth US$4.5 billion.
“Le Bourget 2011 is a strong confirmation of our product strategy. With over 1,000 commitments just half a year after launch our A320neo is a real bestseller,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO.” "I have to admit, I largely underestimated the market demand for neo before this show.”
Airbus is the leading aircraft manufacturer offering the most modern, comprehensive and efficient passenger aircraft family on the more than 100-seat market, while its military division is the global leader for transport, tanker and surveillance airlifters. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS company.
---
Airbus A320neo star of the Paris Air Show
The unprecedented volume of A320neo orders and commitments announced during this week’s Paris Air Show has more than validated Airbus’ decision to launch this enhanced fuel-efficient version of its single-aisle jetliner family.
Boosted by a record setting 200-aircraft booking from AirAsia that was announced at Le Bourget this afternoon, total orders and commitments for the A320neo Family have now surpassed the 1,000 mark since its launch in December 2010.
“When I went to the board last year to have approval for the A320neo, I promised strong sales for many years forward with the family,” said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. “But at this point of time, I have to admit, I didn’t think it would be such a best-seller in only six months after the launch.”
As of Airbus’ traditional Paris Air Show overview press conference held at mid-day today, a total of 667 commitments for the A320neo Family had been announced during the week.
Total sales detailed at this point during the show had reached 730 for all Airbus aircraft types, including the A330, A350 and A380, “making this the best air show ever for Airbus in terms of aircraft numbers,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.
“We are already over 700,” Leahy said, “and perhaps we’re still counting, the show isn’t over and the day isn’t over.”
---
AirAsia orders 200 A320neo aircraft
Largest-ever order consolidates A320 Family's market leading position
AirAsia, the largest low cost airline in the Asia-Pacific region, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 200 A320neo aircraft. The contract, announced at the Paris Air Show today, is the largest order ever placed for the A320 Family and makes AirAsia the biggest airline customer for the Airbus single aisle product line worldwide. AirAsia announced that its A320neo aircraft will be powered by CFM International’s new LEAP-X engines.
Altogether, AirAsia has now placed firm orders for 375 A320 Family aircraft, with 89 already in service on the carrier's fast-growing pan-Asian network. In addition, the carrier's long haul affiliate AirAsia X is also an all-Airbus customer having placed orders for 38 widebody aircraft.
“With this historic deal AirAsia has secured its future with the ability to meet the huge growth potential offered by the Asian market," said Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia. "Our decision to be one of the launch customers for the A320neo will ensure that we remain at the forefront of our business, with one of the world's youngest and most modern fleets."
“Thanks to the incredible entrepreneurial spirit of Tony Fernandes and the energy of his team, Air Asia has established itself as one of the fastest-growing, most innovative and respected airlines in the business," said Tom Enders, President and Chief Executive Officer, Airbus. "This landmark deal is the strongest endorsement yet of our decision to invest in the development of the A320neo and further consolidates the market-leading position of the Airbus single aisle product line."
Incorporating new engines and large wing tip devices called sharklets, the A320neo will deliver fuel savings of 15 percent and additional range capability of 500 nautical miles (950 kilometers), or the ability to carry two tonnes more payload at a given range. For the environment, the fuel savings translate into some 3,600 tonnes less CO2 per aircraft per year. In addition, the A320neo will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise. The A320neo will have over 95% airframe commonality with the existing models, enabling it to fit seamlessly into existing A320 Family fleets.
The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Over 7,000 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,700 delivered to more than 330 customers and operators worldwide.
---
GoAir buys 72 Airbus A320neo aircraft
Fleet expansion with world’s most efficient single aisle aircraft
India’s GoAir, ‘The Fly Smart Airline”, has selected the A320neo for its long term fleet expansion plans with a firm order for 72 aircraft. The agreement was signed at the 49th Le Bourget Airshow.
Airbus delivered GoAir’s first A320 in 2007 from its original order of 20 A320s placed in 2006. The airline currently operates 10 A320s with an average age of two years which makes it the youngest airline fleet in India. It’ll take delivery of the other 10 aircraft over the next two years.
“Today we have shown our commitment to the growth of our airline and to our loyal customers. The combined order for 92 Airbus aircraft (20 A320s and 72 A320neo) reinforces our longstanding partnership with the leading manufacturer and the leading aircraft the market has to offer,” said Jeh Wadia, Managing Director, Go Airlines.
“We are delighted with GoAir’s endorsement of our A320neo. As an established operator of the A320, GoAir clearly recognises the benefits and productivity gains of being able to operate A320s and A320neo harmoniously in a single fleet,” said Tom Enders, President and Chief Executive Officer, Airbus.
Over 7,000 A320 Family aircraft have already been ordered and more than 4,700 delivered to more than 330 customers and operators worldwide. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload.
The A320neo, available from 2015, incorporates new more efficient engines and large wing tip devices called “Sharklets” delivering significant fuel savings of 15 percent, which is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel per aircraft per year, or the consumption of 1,000 mid sized cars. This saves 3,600 tonnes of CO2 annually per aircraft. In addition, the A320neo provides a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise.
---
Skymark Airlines orders two more A380s
Japan’s first A380 customer boosts order to six
Skymark Airlines, Japan’s third largest and fast growing airline, placed firm orders with Airbus for two more A380 aircraft. This latest purchase agreement brings the total number of A380s ordered by Skymark to six aircraft. The Japanese carrier plans to start operations with the A380 on international routes linking Narita to destinations in Europe and the U.S.
The contract was signed on Thursday, 23rd June, at the Paris Air Show, in the presence of Skymark Airlines President, Shinichi Nishikubo, Airbus President and CEO, Tom Enders, and Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers, John Leahy, together with Airbus Japan CEO, Stephane Ginoux.
At the signing ceremony Shinichi Nishikubo said, “The A380 is a remarkable aircraft, setting new standards in air travel, and giving us strong competitive advantages in the international market. Therefore, we have decided to increase the firm order to six aircraft. We are extremely happy to become the very first Japanese airline to offer our passengers a unique and new experience of flying with the A380.”
“We appreciate the strong and renewed vote of confidence from our first Japanese A380 airline customer,” said Tom Enders. “Thanks to its fleet of six A380s, Skymark will benefit from significantly reduced operating costs and leading environmental performance while offering its passengers the highest levels of comfort. The airline will be extremely well positioned to grow as an international carrier.”
The A380 is the most advanced, spacious and eco-efficient airliner in service today. Over 12 million passengers have already enjoyed the unique experience of flying on board the all-new aircraft. The in-service fleet has accumulated by now almost 300,000 revenue flight hours in nearly 33,000 commercial flights. Today, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, and Korean Air operate the aircraft on daily services to Narita Airport.
Following today's announcement, total firm orders for the A380 stand at 236 from 18 customers worldwide and 51 aircraft have been delivered to six customers.
Source: 
