GoAir, 'The Fly Smart Airline', based in Mumbai, has taken delivery of its first A320 aircraft purchased directly from Airbus. The aircraft powered by CFM International engines was handed over to GoAir in a ceremony in Toulouse.

The delivery is the first from an agreement for a total of 10 Airbus A320 family ordered at the Farnborough air show in 2006. All the aircraft from this order will seat 180 passengers in an all-economy layout.

"Today is a remarkable day in the growth of our airline and in its future success. Bringing these aircraft into service will allow GoAir to expand services to major business and leisure destinations across India and to offer new routes not previously served by air. We are excited about being able to offer the 'Fly Smart' experience to more cities and passengers throughout India", said Jeh Wadia, Managing Director, GoAir.

"We are delighted that Airbus has been a part of the GoAir success story and are proud our aircraft, the world's most modern and most advanced single aisle airliner has been instrumental in this. All of us at Airbus wish GoAir a very bright future", said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

GoAir launched services with two leased A320s in November 2005, with a further five leased A320s joining the fleet in 2006. GoAir currently operates a fleet of Airbus A320s with 24 flights covering 13 cities including Jammu & Srinagar.

More than 5,300 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and more than 3,200 delivered to almost 200 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world's best selling single aircraft family ever.

Each aircraft features fly-by-wire controls and unique cockpit commonality across the entire Airbus Family. This allows flight crews to fly each aircraft with minimal additional training.

With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, every member of the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any aircraft in the same category. The latest models feature additional advanced aerodynamics helping reduce fuel burn even further, making the A320 Family the most environmentally friendly single-aisle aircraft in operation.

The A320 Family has the widest cabin of any single aisle aircraft and this leads to operational advantages such as faster boarding and deplaning times. In addition, the all new cabin design saves on weight and offers the passenger a quieter and roomier experience as well as significantly larger overhead stowage compartments.