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Air One announced an agreement with Airbus to purchase 24 new long-range aircraft – making the airline one of Airbus’ largest customers in Europe. The newly ordered airplanes are 12 Airbus A330-200s and 12 new Airbus A350-800 XWBs, the latest generation of highly efficient and eco-sustainable aircraft, not yet available on the market. The contract includes a plan for the future purchase of eight A330s to be delivered by 2012 and twelve A350 XWBs to be delivered by 2018.
“This agreement marks a milestone in our ongoing commitment to quality and efficiency while sustaining growth,” said Carlo Toto, president of Air One. “We have chosen airplanes that not only provide the best possible passenger experience, but also represent greater respect for the environment. It is a significant investment not only for our company, but for the quality of national air transport.”
Expanding Air One’s fleet and service
The order for the new aircrafts is consistent with Air One’s plan to increase its international network – particularly in the U.S. and the Far East markets – to reach 16 intercontinental destinations by 2012. It also coincides with the relaunch of its domestic air transport system to improve quality and efficiency.
The new aircraft purchase agreement is the latest step in the airline’s wider program to renew its fleet with aircraft which can guarantee passenger comfort, operative efficiency, and meet or surpass new environmental regulations. Air One first signed an agreement with Airbus in 2005 to purchase 90 Airbus 320s for its medium–range operations – 16 of which are already part of the fleet. In 2006, Air One also signed a purchase agreement for 10 regional CRJ Bombardier, all of which were delivered by mid-2007.
“We are delighted that Air One is again confirming its confidence in Airbus by ordering our long-haul products, which will complement their A320 fleet,” said Thomas Enders, president and CEO of Airbus. “We are sure that the best-selling A330 and the all-new A350 will contribute to Air One’s international growth plans with the right product at the right time.”
The new long-range aircraft
The new Airbus A330-200s will have two classes for a total of up to 253 passengers. The aircraft will operate with engines that reduce pollution output, and help safeguard the environment by meeting the strictest international environmental regulations. The A330-200 can fly for approximately 7,700 miles at capacity without refueling, and reaches a maximum cruising speed of 540 miles per hour. And the aircraft provides airlines which fly it a competitive edge due to its considerably low operation costs.
The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is the new generation long-range airplane manufactured by Airbus. It has a larger fuselage compared to other long range aircraft, guaranteeing more ample internal space and reduced operational costs when compared to other aircraft of the same category.
With a greater than 9,500-mile-full-load, no-stopover autonomy and a cruising speed of 553 miles per hour, the A350 guarantees both improved passenger comfort and lower fuel consumption, making it more environmentally friendly.
Air One has chosen the 800 version of the Airbus A350 XWB, which has two class configurations and can carry up to 257 passengers. The A350-800 will operate with Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines which will also respect the new stricter anti-pollution regulations.
Air One’s international and intercontinental network
The new airplanes will expand Air One’s long-haul network and its services to business travelers. In 2012, Air One will reach nearly 50 international destinations on its medium-haul network, and 16 intercontinental destinations mainly in North and South America and the Far East. The long-haul activities will begin in June with the first two intercontinental flights to Boston and Chicago from Milan-Malpensa airport. These flights will be operated with two leased Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
Today, Air One already offers vast coverage in the Italian market with 21 domestic destinations. In the past few months it has increased its international presence to 18 European cities, as well as many other international destinations due to its code-share agreements with partner airlines.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
