The Austrian carrier NIKI has received its first Airbus A319 at the occasion of a delivery ceremony in Hamburg. The A319 selected by NIKI is the first A320 Family aircraft worldwide delivered with the new state of the art cabin interior, making the aircraft quieter, lighter, brighter and more spacious.

With this A319, the successful Vienna-based low cost carrier further expands its all Airbus fleet, which already consists of five A320s and one A321. NIKI will employ the A319 on routes to European cities and holiday destinations. The airline, founded in 2003, operates in partnership with Air Berlin, another major Airbus customer.

NIKI has selected CFM International CFM56-5B engines for its A319. In terms of cabin configuration, the airline has chosen a spacious single class cabin layout for up to 150 passengers, offering passengers even more comfort with the increased personal space of the new cabin.

"We have chosen the A319 because we base our fleet on quality, operational economics and comfort. The new Airbus cabin is an extra bonus for our passengers, who are used to our high quality customer service. This extra level of comfort guarantees customer satisfaction, and that is our top priority", says Niki Lauda, President of NIKI.

John Leahy, COO Customers for Airbus, added: "Non-stop innovation, this is what the new cabin is all about. We have delivered on all fronts, space, quietness, light, to give NIKI and future A320 Family passengers an even better product. And we are proud that NIKI, Airline of the Year 2005 proves us right with their selection of the A319. Just this little bit more passenger comfort will add to the A320 Family's leading edge reputation, and make passengers come back for more."

The new cabin delivered to NIKI effectively features the most modern design and technological innovations, derived from the A380. New smooth lines not only create an ambient atmosphere but also give more space at shoulder level. Increased Overhead Stowage offers 15 per cent more volume. The state of the art design gives a measurable noise reduction, while also decreasing the weight of the aircraft and thus making it more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.

Available from now on, the next new cabin will be delivered on the A320 to Vueling.

With the widest cabin in its class no matter whether with new or conventional cabin design, the A320 Family offers passengers more space, comfort and overhead stowage volume for their money.

Firm orders for Airbus single-aisle aircraft now stand at 5,025 aircraft, making it the world's fastest and best-selling jet airliner of all time. More than 3000 A320 Family aircraft have already been delivered. The Airbus A320 Family has been ordered by, or is in service with, more than 200 customers and operators worldwide and has completed 30 million flight cycles and 50 million flight hours.