SIA Plumps for Airbus
Bloomberg News | Jun. 23, 2007
Airbus has won a US$3.7 billion order from Singapore Airlines for A350 long-range jetliners, as the world's biggest planemaker aims to catch up with Boeing's competing 787 Dreamliner model.
Singapore Airlines agreed to buy 20 A350-900XWBs, it said in a statement on June 22. The carrier expects to take delivery of the aircraft starting in 2013.
The agreement follows a letter of intent signed last July, which included an option for 20 more A350s, the newest plane from Airbus.
The order is a boost for the A350, which is lagging behind Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, the Chicago-based company's most successful aircraft introduction.
Singapore Airlines, Asia's most profitable carrier, is increasing orders to tap growth in Asian passenger traffic.
"This is a strong endorsement for the A350 program," said Derek Sadubin, chief operating officer of the Sydney-based Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation.
Toulouse, France-based Airbus struggled for three years to design a competitor for the 787, while sorting out production delays for the A380 superjumbo.
The A350 will enter service in 2013, five years behind the Dreamliner's introduction.