S7 Group, the managing company of S7 Airlines, has purchased 25 Airbus A320 aircraft marking the first time S7 Group has purchased aircraft directly from Airbus. The aircrafts will be operated by…
S7 Group, the managing company of S7 Airlines, has purchased 25 Airbus A320 aircraft marking the first time S7 Group has purchased aircraft directly from Airbus. The aircrafts will be operated by S7 Airlines, the largest Russian domestic carrier.
The purchase marks S7 Airlines’ next major step towards the strategic goal on replacing its fleet of ageing airplanes and rising operation efficiency. Currently S7 operates eight leased A310s and seven leased A319s. Four leased A320 are planned be put into operation during the first half of 2008.
S7’s newly ordered A320s are powered by CFM International CFM56 engines, and will feature a spacious and comfortable two-class cabin layout, seating up to 160 passengers. The airline plans to operate these aircraft mainly out of its three major hubs, Moscow, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk, serving both domestic and international routes.
“The A320 has several advantages which are very dear to us. Incomparable cabin comfort is highly valued by our passengers. We optimise operational costs thanks to the excellent economics, and our pilots benefit from commonality with our existing Airbus fleet,” says S7 Airlines CEO Vladislav Filev.
John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers adds “This renewed vote of confidence for our best selling A320 from a very important Russian customer means a lot to us. We are confident that the new A320s will definitely contribute to the further success of S7 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.
