Airbus announced transactions covering 256 aircraft, valued at US$ 40.5 billion at the 2008 Farnborough Air Show. These transactions include firm orders for 247 aircraft and nine commitments. This also reflects a strong aerospace market despite the global economic uncertainties.
The highlights of the show were two large orders from Middle Eastern carriers. DAE Capital, the aircraft leasing and finance division of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) placed a 100 aircraft order valued at $12.6 billion, comprising the purchase of 30 Airbus A350-900 and 70 Airbus A320 aircraft. Meanwhile Etihad announced a 55 aircraft order comprising an additional
10 A380s, 20 A320s, and 25 A350 XWBs.
Other firm aircraft order announcements made during the show include the following: Aeroflot for five A321s; Asiana for 30 A350 XWBs; US based lessor, Aviation Capital Group (ACG) for 23 Airbus A320 Family aircraft; Saudia for eight A330-300s; Synergy Aerospace for 10 A350-800s; and Tunisair for 10 A320s, three A330-200s, and three A350-800s.
In addition to the new contracts, Airbus received commitments for nine aircraft during the Show. Qatar Airways placed an MOU for four A321s, and Alis of Italy for five A330-200 Freighter aircraft. Furthermore, Netherlands based leasing company AerCap signed a contract to convert 30 of its older passenger fleet of A320/A321s into freighter aircraft (P2F). AerCap thus becomes the launch customer for this freighter conversion programme.
Airbus’ success is founded on innovative design, which has given it the world’s most modern aircraft family in every category - from the 100-seat Airbus A318 all the way up to the world’s largest and newest airliner, the double-deck A380.
Airbus is also unique in offering airlines a common cockpit in every single passenger aircraft that it produces today, which makes it easier and quicker for pilots to switch between aircraft types during their career – while saving airlines time and money.
Source: Airbus
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