Member Article

Airbus 320 success in China

Airbus, which employs more than 6,000 staff at its Broughton wing-making factory near Chester, says it has secured orders for 43 of its A320 family of aircraft from two new Chinese airlines.

Qingdao Airlines signed a deal for 23 aircraft, including five regular A320s and 18 of the re-engined A320neo.

Zhejiang Loong Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding for 20 Airbus A320 aircraft, including 11 A320s and nine of the A320neo.

Both deals, announced at a Beijing airshow, must be approved by the Chinese government before progressing.

If given the go-ahead, deliveries are expected to begin in 2016.

Qingdao Airlines is based at the coastal city of Qingdao in Shandong Province, and is set to begin operations in 2014 with leased aircraft.

Zhejiang Loong Airlines is based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and is scheduled to begin operations this year.

Meanwhile, the company has delivered its first A320 aircraft equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing-tip devices to Spring Airlines, a low-cost carrier also based in China.

The A320, powered by CFM56 engines, features a single class economy cabin, seating 180 passengers. The A320 will make its first commercial flight from Shanghai to domestic destinations on September 27.

“We are very happy to receive our first A320 equipped with fuel-saving Sharklets,” said Wang Zhenghua, Chairman of Spring Airlines. “As a low-cost operator, Spring Airlines is committed to enabling more passengers to enjoy the efficiency of modern air travel by keeping the fares affordable.

“Airbus’ A320 Family aircraft help us reduce our operating costs while providing the best level of passenger comfort. The Sharklets will reduce fuel burn and emissions even further,” he added.

“We are delighted our A320 aircraft has played a key role in the success of Spring Airlines,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

“Spring Airlines is a pioneering low-cost operator, and with the entry into service of the Sharklet equipped A320 in its fleet, it’ll help the airline reduce costs even further whilst offering the passengers the best cabin comfort of any single aisle aircraft,” Leahy added.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .