Deal Signed In December

A few more of the "mystery orders" that allowed Airbus to leapfrog Boeing for the 2005 sales title came to light Thursday morning, with the announcement that Spanish airline Air Europa has firmed up its order for 10 A350-800s and two further options, for deliveries between 2010 and 2012.

Airbus representatives tell Aero-News the contract was signed at the end of December.

In addition to the orders, Air Europa will also lease three A350s from the leasing company GECAS. The Spanish scheduled airline became the first to commit to Airbus’ new 250-300 seat long range airliner in December 2004. Since then, total orders and commitments for the new aircraft have risen to 172 from 13 customers.

As part of its fleet modernization, Air Europa has already added a leased A340-200, and has signed an agreement to lease a further four A330-200s -- the first of which will be delivered in March 2006.

Air Europa's A350s will be powered by GEnx-1A engines, and will be fitted with a two class configuration flying up to 253 passengers on ranges up to 8,600 nm. The rapidly growing airline will use the A350 for its transatlantic flights from Spain to North and South America.

"This deal brings together the world's most modern aircraft with one of the most modern airlines in Europe, allowing our company to continue with its growth strategy," stated Juan Jose Hidalgo, Executive President of the Globalia Group, which is the parent company of Air Europa. "We are a pioneer customer for the A350, and with the A350 we will be pioneers in providing pleasurable travel."

"This contract from our first A350 customer is a special event for Airbus," said Airbus president Gustav Humbert. "Air Europa was the first airline to recognize the benefits of an aircraft which is now being widely ordered."

In addition to leasing an A340, Air Europa also plans to expand its widebody fleet with the four leased A330s, as well. As the A330 and A350 share a common type rating, A330 pilots can fly the A350 with no additional training.

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.aireuropa.com/en/default.html