Airline Becomes Latest Airbus Operator

During a ceremony held at Hamburg, Germany, Shanghai Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus aircraft, an A321, becoming th latest new operator of Airbus aircraft. The aircraft is the first of 10 A321s ordered by the Shanghai-based carrier in 2006 and 2007.

Powered by IAE V2533-A5 engines, the carrier's first A321 is fitted in an all-new, comfortable two-class configuration with 178 seats (166 seats in Economy, 12 in Business Class). The aircraft will initially be deployed on domestic routes followed in the future by regional routes including Japan and Korea.

"Introducing A321s to our fleet was a strategic decision for Shanghai Airlines in anticipation of the future growth of the domestic as well as international air traffic market," said Zhou Chi, Chairman of Shanghai Airlines. "After 20 years of fast, steady and all round development, Shanghai Airlines is becoming an international airline based in the regional hub of Shanghai. The introduction of the highly reliable and efficient Airbus A320 Family aircraft will help Shanghai Airlines to expand its new base, develop domestic routes network and increase capacity in order to meet increasing passenger demand," added Zhou.

"We are delighted to welcome Shanghai Airlines as a new Airbus operator. With its all new cabin and low operational costs, the A321 will enable Shanghai Airlines to satisfy passenger needs, whilst also meeting operational requirements," said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. "As a major financial centre and home of the next World Expo, Shanghai will undoubtedly experience rapid growth and we are honoured to be part of this success," added Enders.

Shanghai Airlines was set up in 1985. Headquartered in Shanghai, the carrier now operates 68 aircraft on more than 170 domestic, regional and international passenger and freighter routes linking over 60 destinations across China and around the world. Shanghai Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance.

The A321 is the largest member of the Airbus A320 Family. It typically seats 185 passengers in a two-class layout and has a non-stop flying range of 3,000 nautical miles. By the end of May 2009, almost 400 A320 Family aircraft are in operation with 12 operators in China. Chinese airlines have ordered close to 600 A320 Family aircraft in total.

FMI: www.airbus.com