Total Package Estimated At $240 Million

Air Austral and the Engine Alliance have finalized agreements for the purchase of GP7200 engines and a 10-year Fleet Management Agreement to cover the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the engines that will power Air Austral's two A380 aircraft.  The total value of the deal is worth more than $240 million at list prices.

Air Austral is based in Saint Denis, La Reunion. The airline flies to nearby Indian Ocean islands as well as locations in France, Australia, South Africa and Thailand. Air Austral plans to operate its A380 aircraft in a single, economy class configuration on its high-volume route from La Reunion to Paris, France, through a subsidiary airline working under a "low-cost" model.

"The Engine Alliance is delighted to be part of Air Austral's growth and success," Engine Alliance President Mary Ellen Jones said.  "We're looking forward to helping them maximize the value of their A380s with our GP7200 engines."

The GP7200 engine is the leading engine on the Airbus A380 aircraft. It has been selected to power 56% of all A380s on order with engine selections. There are 22 GP7200-powered A380s in service and 102 more on order.

FMI: www.enginealliance.com