Khalifa Airways selects Airbus Aircraft for fleet expansion
Toulouse, 22 March 2001
To cope with its remarkable growth, Algiers-based Khalifa Airways will acquire 18 latest generation Airbus aircraft, including the new ultra-long range A340-500, which can fly further than any other planned or in-service airliner. The deal covers three four-engine A340-500s, five widebody twin-engine A330-200s and ten single-aisle A320s. Deliveries of all these aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2004. Khalifa Airways will start incorporating the A320 in its fleet as early as next month with two leased aircraft.
In less than two years of commercial activity, which began with the entry into service of its first aircraft, an Airbus A310 - since joined by six other widebody twins of this type - Khalifa Airways has demonstrated phenomenal drive, and been rewarded with success upon success in terms of load factors, passengers satisfaction, operational efficiency and profitablity. With professionalism and business acumen that is proving equal to the task, the airline founded in August 1999 by its current Chairman Rafik Abdelmoumen Khelifa, is determined to become one of the major air transport actors in the Mediterranean region. Thanks to this new fleet expansion, Khalifa Airways will not only increase its domestic and regional services but also launch long-range operations.
The unmatched degree of commonality among Airbus aircraft, in terms of airframes, on-board systems, cockpits and handling characteristics, was the deciding factor in Khalifa Airways' choice. This unique feature provides Airbus operators with greater operational flexibility and substantially reduced operational and training costs. Coupled with the remarkable levels of passenger comfort on Airbus aircraft, this enables airlines to offer even higher standards of services.
The ultra long range A340-500 which can carry 313 passengers in a standard three-class configuration over distances of up to 16,000 km/8,650nm is capable of flying non stop distances such as Algiers to Perth. The medium to long haul A330-200 can transport 253 passengers over distances of up to 12,300km/6,650nm, and is thus capable of linking Algiers with Los Angeles or Tokyo. With a range up to 5,500 km/3,000 nm, the 150-seater A320 can fly from major Algerian cities to destinations such as Kuwait or Moscow. Airbus' A320 Family, comprised of the A318, the A319, A320, and the A321 has won some 2,700 orders to date, making it the industry's most successful aircraft family ever. With almost 700 orders, the versatile widebody A330/A340 Family is the undisputed market leader in the 239-380 seat category.
Airbus is jointly owned by BAE SYSTEMS (20 per cent) and EADS (80 per cent).
For further information, please contact:
AIRBUS - PRESS DEPARTMENT
Tel.: (33) 05.61.93.33.87 or 05.61.93.34.31
Also available on Internet: http://www.airbus.com
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