Subscribe to our RSS feed

Issue 31 - November 29, 2007

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

•	US Airways, Hawaiian Airlines join other customers in agreements for 70 new A330s
•	Hainan Airlines becomes the latest A330 operator

US Airways, Hawaiian Airlines join other customers in agreements for 70 new A330s

The A330 jetliner – on which the Northrop Grumman KC-30 Tanker is based – expanded its already-substantial order book volume with this month's major new agreements from key U.S. and international airlines, increasing the A330's total backlog to some 400 aircraft.

Orders and agreements for a total of 70 A330s have been announced during the past four weeks in acquisitions and commitments with US Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Oman Air, CASGC (China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group Corporation) and China Southern Airlines.  This new business further consolidates the A330’s leadership position in its category and supports the jetliner’s ongoing production rate acceleration.

US Airways is further increasing its A330 fleet with the purchase of five more A330-200s.  The Phoenix, Arizona-based carrier is a repeat A330 customer: in addition to currently operating nine A330-300s for long-range flights, US Airways placed separate orders earlier this year for 20 other A330-200s.   

Hawaii’s largest airline, Hawaiian Airlines, Inc., is a new A330 customer, signing a Memorandum of Understanding for six A330-200s, with deliveries beginning in 2012. The aircraft will be deployed within its Pacific network, which currently extends from Hawaii to nine cities in the Western U.S. and three cities in the South Pacific. The A330-200’s excellent range and capacity allows for growth in the future. 

The largest of the A330 sales agreements announced this month is with China’s CASGC, which is acquiring 40 of the aircraft.  In addition, China Southern Airlines inked a contract for 10 A330-200s.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will acquire two additional A330-200s plus an option on two more – bringing its total A330 fleet to 12 aircraft.  Factors in the operator’s decision included the A330’s excellent record in terms of economics and efficiency.

Oman Air joins the A330’s worldwide operator base, acquiring three A330-300s and two A330-200s.  The choice was influenced by Oman Air’s long-term strategy to operate a modern efficient and reliable fleet with proven operating costs.

Hainan Airlines becomes the latest A330 operator

Hainan Airlines Company Limited has taken delivery of its first A330, which will enable it to expand services across China and open new routes – all while benefiting from the aircraft’s unique operational cost savings.  

The A330 will be operated on lease from CIT Aerospace, a commercial and consumer finance and leasing company headquartered in New York. 

More than 500 A330 deliveries have been made to customers worldwide. Orders for this best-selling twin-engine airliner have surpassed the 900 mark. 

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