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Issue 12 – May 31, 2007

In this issue of the EADS North America Tanker Activity Update:

•	A330-200 order book expands with a new contract for the A330-200F freighter
•	Colombia’s Avianca joins the growing list of A330-200 customers

A330-200 order book expands with a new contract for the A330-200F freighter

New commercial orders are further ensuring the market success and sustained production rates of the A330-200 jetliner – on which the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker is based.

In recent weeks, new contracts have been signed for both A330-200F freighter and A330-200 passenger versions, reinforcing the twin-engine aircraft’s position as the leader in its category, with a continually expanding operator customer base.

For the A330-200F freighter derivative – which was formally launched earlier this year – Iceland’s Avion Aircraft Trading has signed a contract for eight aircraft, increasing its initial commitment by two. The company’s decision follows the finalization of its first customer leasing arrangement with Icelandair Cargo for four of the A330-200Fs.

Hafthor Hafsteinson, Avion Aircraft Trading’s Executive Chairman, said the A330-200F’s payload characteristics open up new possibilities for its airline customers, and the company decided to increase its initial order as the result of a very positive market response to the new freighter aircraft.

Icelandair Cargo Managing Director Pétur Eiriksson said the A330-200F will enable his carrier to offer increased cargo capacity. With more payload and range than any other freighter currently operated by the Icelandair Group, it will allow the company to further expand its business by opening up new cargo routes. The first two aircraft will be delivered in the spring of 2010, followed by the other two in 2011.

Colombia’s Avianca joins the growing list of A330-200 customers

Avianca, Colombia’s largest airline and the second oldest commercial carrier in the world, has become a new A330-200 customer with firm orders for five aircraft, plus options for five more.

The Avianca acquisition is part of a 70-aircraft deal, which also includes the single-aisle A319 and A320 jetliners.

With the A330-200’s continuing strong market demand worldwide, the current production rate of seven aircraft per month for the A330 and its four-engine A340 counterpart will be boosted to eight monthly by the beginning of 2008. It is to further accelerate to nine per month by the middle of 2009.

 

Contact:
Guy Hicks
Vice President – Communications and Public Relations
EADS North America
Tel: 703 236-3300
e-mail: guy.hicks@eads-na.com

Contact:
Guy Hicks
Vice President – Communications and Public Relations
EADS North America
Tel: 703 236-3300
e-mail: guy.hicks@eads-na.com