Israel based carrier Israir Airlines signed a firm order for three Airbus A320 aircraft on April 17, 2007, making the airline the first Airbus customer in the country. The deal marks Airbus' breakthrough in the Israeli market.

The aircraft will be configured in all economy class with 174 seats. Israir Airlines will place the aircraft on routes from Israel to all its European destinations. The engines have yet to be chosen.

"We pride ourselves in offering our passengers a personal and more enjoyable flying experience. Israir Airlines is doing its best to offer the highest possible level of quality and the newest planes, and the Airbus A320 fits in well with our philosophy", said Zohar Endelman, Israir President & CEO.

"I am personally delighted that Israir Airlines have become an Airbus customer. In the A320 aircraft, they have chosen the most technically sophisticated and operationally cost effective single aisle aircraft available. We look forward to establishing a long and lasting relationship with Israir Airlines", said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Israir Airlines was established in 1996 and started off with domestic routes within Israel from Eilat, Tel Aviv and Haifa. The airline has grown quickly and now accounts for almost 40 per cent of domestic air travel. Israir Airlines is also the second largest operator of international flights in Israel.

The A320 along with the A318, the A319, and the largest A321 is a member of the successful A320 Family. Each member features fly-by-wire controls and unique cockpit commonality across the range, allowing flight crews to fly each aircraft with minimal additional training.

Designed with advanced fuel-saving aerodynamics, with proven reliability and extended servicing intervals, the A320 Family has amongst the lowest operating costs of any aircraft.

The cabin is the widest of any single aisle aircraft, which allows for added passenger room and comfort as well as operational advantages such as quicker boarding and disembarkation.

The Airbus A320 Family is the world's best selling single family of aircraft with over 5000 orders and 3000 deliveries from more than 180 customers and operators.