First Widebody Aircraft To Joint The Airline's Fleet

TransAsia Airways of Taiwan has placed a firm order with Airbus for two widebody A330-300s and six single aisle A321s. The aircraft will be used primarily on direct services between Taiwan and mainland China, as well as on new regional routes. The A330s will become the first widebody aircraft to join the airline's fleet. Engine selections for both the A330s and the A321s will be made in the near future.

"This new aircraft order reflects the strong demand on our services to mainland China and the region," said Vincent Lin, Chairman, of TransAsia Airways. "TransAsia will benefit from the high level of technical and operational commonality offered by the Airbus product line, with the A330s flying on our trunk routes and the A321s enabling us to develop further our network both to the mainland and around the region."

"We are extremely pleased that TransAsia Airways has once again selected Airbus aircraft to meet its ongoing fleet requirements," said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus. "We are confident that the low operating costs, proven reliability and high passenger appeal of both the A330 and the A321 will position the airline well to compete effectively on its expanding route network."

TransAsia Airways is part of the Goldsun Group and has been flying Airbus aircraft since 1995. Today the carrier operates five A321s and two A320s on domestic and regional services, including flights to 13 destinations in mainland China.

The A330 is one of the most widely used widebody aircraft in service today. To date, Airbus has won more than 1,100 orders for the various versions of the aircraft and over 700 A330s are currently flying with more than 80 airlines worldwide.

The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is the world's best-selling single-aisle product line, with over 6,700 aircraft sold and more than 4,400 delivered to some 310 customers and operators worldwide.

FMI: www.airbus.com