First US Airline To Order New Aircraft Type

Following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in July of this year, Hawaiian Airlines has finalized an order for six A330-800neo aircraft. The agreement adds yet another name to the growing list of launch customers for the new aircraft type. The new commitment replaces a previous order placed by Hawaiian for six A350-800s.

“The A330-800neo is an aircraft which meets all of our needs,” said Mark Dunkerley, President and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. “It is the right size, with the right range and costs, and shares much commonality with our A330-200 fleet. Our customers and crew love the aircraft and we are thrilled that it will continue to be Hawaiian’s widebody mainstay for far into the future.”

“Working with Hawaiian Airlines is a unique pleasure because their team is truly visionary when it comes to choosing aircraft,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A330-800neo is perfectly suited to Hawaiian’s unique route structure, offering a great balance of range and capacity that will allow the airline to expand its reach to new audiences.”

Hawaiian Airlines currently operates a fleet of 19 A330-200 aircraft, with additional orders for 16 A321neo aircraft on backlog.

The A330-800neo and the A330-900neo are the two newest members of the Airbus Widebody Family. First deliveries are scheduled to start in late 2017. The A330neo incorporates latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. Airbus forecasts that the A330neo will reduce fuel consumption by 14 percent per seat, making it the most cost-efficient, medium-range widebody aircraft on the market. In addition to greater fuel savings, A330neo operators will also benefit from a range increase of up to 400 nautical miles and all the operational commonality advantages of the Airbus Family.

(Image provided by Airbus)

FMI: www.airbus.com