Issue 68 – January 11, 2010

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

•	The A330 confirms its military airlift capabilities in global deployments
•	Expanding the A330 customer base with new orders and commitments

The A330 confirms its military airlift capabilities in global deployments

The A330 jetliner, on which the Northrop Grumman KC-45 and A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport are based, is demonstrating its airlift capabilities in the service of military forces and governments worldwide.

One of the latest applications is the utilization of an A330-300 for the Belgian Defense's strategic transport requirements.  It is operated from Melsbroek Air Base, and augments the capacity of the Belgian Air Component’s 15th Air Transport Wing.

The A330’s missions will include long-distance transport of Belgian personnel and material within the scope of military missions, the airlift of personnel and material in support of allied forces and non-military organizations within the framework of collaboration agreements, and transport of the King or members of government during official visits.

In addition to the A330’s main-deck seating capacity of 278 passengers (42 in business class seats and 236 in economy), the aircraft’s airlift flexibility is enhanced with its lower-lobe capacity, which accommodates palletized, containerized and bulk cargo in three under-floor compartments.

The A330’s range of 10,500 km. (5,669 naut. mi.) with a maximum passenger load provides the Belgian Air Component with its longest “legs” ever, enabling non-stop flights to Afghanistan, Central Africa and across the Atlantic.

Other A330s used for military and government operations include an A330-200 operated by Strategic Airlines on behalf of the Australian Defence Force in such charter operations as the transportation of Australian troops to the Middle East; and an A330-300 flown by the Qatar government’s Qatar Amiri Flight.

Expanding the A330 customer base with new orders and commitments

New orders and commitments for the A330 are reinforcing this jetliner’s value for operators around the globe, and further ensuring its sustained production during years to come.

Virgin Atlantic Airways has bought six A330-300 long-range aircraft and is leasing a further four from AerCap. They are the first A330s for the British-based carrier, and this acquisition underscores a commitment by the airline to invest in today’s most eco-efficient aircraft. Its A330s will strengthen services between the United Kingdom, North America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, for both business and leisure markets.

"The A330s are adding immense operational flexibility to Virgin's modern fleet and at the same time fit in with our commitment to invest in today's most environmentally efficient aircraft," said Steve Ridgway, Virgin Atlantic Airways’ Chief Executive.

The A330’s new freighter version has been ordered by Turkish Airlines, becoming a new customer for this configuration.  The A330-200F is equipped with a 141x101-inch cargo door on the forward fuselage, which also is included in the KC-45’s configuration.

Turkish Airlines’ two A330-200Fs will be delivered beginning this Autumn, and will join an existing fleet that includes seven A330 passenger jetliners.

Other recent new A330 business transactions involve the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Malaysia Airlines for 15 A330-300s, along with this carrier’s placement of purchase options for another 10.  These aircraft are to be delivered from 2011 to 2016 to serve the growing markets of South Asia, China, North Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

In addition, China Eastern Airlines announced plans to acquire 16 A330s, with deliveries targeted between 2011 and 2014.

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