Aer Lingus Orders Six A330s, Six A350s
By Cathy Buyck, ATW Daily News | Jun. 07, 2007
Aer Lingus Group placed an order for six A330-300s and six A350XWBs, with deliveries commencing in 2009 and running though 2014.
The carrier also holds the option to purchase a further six A350s for delivery by 2018 as part of an order valued at US$2.4 billion at catalog prices. It noted in a stock exchange filing that "substantial discounts off the catalog prices have been negotiated." The transaction is subject to shareholder approval.
"These aircraft are key to our growth ambitions which include new routes to the US following the Open Skies agreement. The aircraft will complement our existing Airbus fleet and enhance our long-haul network," CEO Dermot Mannion commented. EI already has announced plans to serve Washington Dulles, San Francisco and Orlando International before year end.
The airline operates an all-Airbus fleet comprising 30 A320 family aircraft and eight A330-200s/-300s. It started expanding its long-haul fleet this year with the May delivery of a new CF6-powered A330-200. A new A330-300 is scheduled for delivery this month. This order will lift the long-haul fleet to 14 in 2014 through five deliveries and the replacement of one older aircraft in 2009 and two in 2011. A further four will be replaced in 2015 and 2016.
"In addition, over the next few years Aer Lingus will be substantially improving the levels of passenger comfort in its existing aircraft in an upgrade program," the carrier said.