AerCap has signed a firm contract with Airbus for the purchase of 20 A330-200 passenger aircraft. With its proven benefits in terms of economics and a wide customer base, the A330-200 will assist AerCap in the growth of their portfolio which already includes more than 70 A320 Family aircraft. Headquartered in The Netherlands, AerCap is an integrated global aviation company with a leading market position in aircraft and engine leasing, trading and parts sales.

"We are excited about this new order, which further develops our strong relationship with Airbus. The A330-200 is an excellent aircraft that helps us to expand our business and respond to market needs in the passenger markets," says AerCap CEO Klaus Heinemann.

AerCap first ordered 32 Airbus A320 Family aircraft in 1999. This was followed by a large follow-up order for 70 A320 Family aircraft in December 2005, through an AerCap joint venture with LoadAir.

"I am extremely pleased that AerCap reconfirms its confidence in the Airbus products with this new order for our efficient A330-200 passenger aircraft. We are proud to work with AerCap to add to their wide body fleet and increase their customer base with the right aircraft, at the right time," says Airbus COO Customers, John Leahy.

The A330-200 is the aircraft of choice for many operators and is the unquestioned leader in its class with a commanding market share and a continually expanding operator base. The A330-200 has excellent flexibility for a wide range of route structures, providing the operator with a very low operating cost per seat as well as the widest and most comfortable cabin in its category. Its proven record of superior economics and passenger comfort provides the operator with a significant competitive advantage in the market today.

With close to 1,100 orders and 86 operators, the Airbus A330/A340/A350 Family is the world's most modern long-range family available today.