First A330-200 Freighter customer in Latin America

Avianca, part of the airline group AviancaTaca Holdings, has signed a firm order for four Airbus A330-200 Freighter aircraft. The new aircraft will be operated by Avianca's cargo subsidiary Tampa. Avianca will announce its engine choice at a later date.

The new airplanes will replace Tampa's current cargo fleet and play a key role in expanding Avianca's international cargo business. The order will make Avianca the first operator to receive the A330-200 Freighter in Latin America. AviancaTaca and its subsidiaries already operate seven A330-200 passenger aircraft and 81 A320 Family aircraft.

"As an existing operator of seven A330 passenger aircraft, we are confident that these new A330 Freighters will bring us greater fuel efficiency, lower operating costs and improved environmental performance," said Fabio Villegas, CEO of AviancaTaca Holdings and President of Avianca.

"In addition to being a top-performing and cost-efficient aircraft, this new-generation, mid-size freighter can profitably serve both hot and high destinations and longer transcontinental flights without sacrificing payload," said John Leahy, Airbus COO Customers. "Airbus is pleased that AviancaTaca and its subsidiaries will be first in Latin America to benefit from the outstanding economics and proven track record of the A330 Freighter."

FMI: www.airbus.com