European Planemaker Off To A Great Start In 2007 Orders

Last summer Airbus announced it would offer a freighter version of the A330 (passenger version pictured below). Now, Airbus has secured a commitment for the newest member of its A330/A340 Family -- the A330-200F -- from US-based Intrepid Aviation Group. The leasing company has signed a Letter of Intent to purchase 20 of the new freighters with first delivery expected in early 2010.

"When we shifted our focus a few years back to widebody freighters, we began to keep a close eye on developments at Airbus," said Ron Anderson, CEO of Intrepid Aviation. "We are excited to be a launch customer for the A330 Freighter, and know it will serve us and our customers well. Its size, range and exceptional economics make it very attractive for airlines needing a medium- to long-range widebody freighter. Throughout its history Intrepid has maintained a focus on the world freighter market requirements and believes the A330-200F will address the significant needs of the industry in the decade beginning in 2010."

New York-based Reservoir Capital Group is the primary shareholder in Intrepid Aviation. "We are excited to be partnering with Ron Anderson and the management team at Intrepid Aviation on the purchase of these A330-200F aircraft," Craig Huff, President and co-founder of Reservoir. This activity is consistent with our investment approach of partnering with world-class management teams in areas that we view as long-term attractive."

"One of the great advantages of the A330 Freighter is the ability for operators to switch between payload mode and range mode according to the route, maximizing performance for a customized and cost-effective flight," said Airbus COO Customers, John Leahy. "Intrepid has in the past purchased A300s and A310s, and has seen the benefits of the Airbus product and Airbus people. As a new generation of freighter, the A330-200F promises to bring a new level of technology, economic performance and environmental friendliness, to Intrepid's customers, and ours."

According to Airbus, depending on mode selected, the A330-200F can carry up to 64 metric tons over 4,000 nautical miles/7,400 kilometers or 69 metric tons up to 3,200 nautical miles/5,930 kilometers - non-stop. The company says the aircraft's optimized fuselage cross-section gives it the interior flexibility to carry a wide variety of pallet and container sizes for maximum interlining capability, offering 30 percent more volume than any freighter in its class.

Airbus says the superiority of the A330 as a passenger aircraft, endorsed worldwide by 63 operators, ensures the same level of excellence with the A330-200F.

FMI: www.airbus.com