EADS N.V. - Asiana Takes Delivery of First A330

Asiana Airlines of South Korea has taken delivery of the first of six A330-300 aircraft, which will be deployed on regional routes to Japan and other points in Asia. Deliveries of the remaining aircraft will continue through until mid 2007, with the new A330 fleet gradually replacing older generation aircraft on the regional network. The Asiana A330s will be configured in a two class configuration of 30 business class / 260 economy class seats and feature increased cabin comfort, cargo capacity and lower operating costs. The aircraft are powered by Pratt & Whitney PW 4000 engines.

Asiana first introduced Airbus aircraft into its fleet with the arrival of the first A321 in March 1998 and currently operates a fleet of 15 aircraft on domestic and regional services.

“Since our introduction of the first A321 in 1998, Airbus aircraft have clearly been a major part of Asiana’s history. Not only have their safety standards, maximum comfort, and low operating costs been praised highly, but Airbus continues to provide the best quality of services in helping to prepare for the future. With this in mind, I feel much positive anticipation about receiving the first A330 and hope these new aircraft will bring fortune and prosperity between our two profound companies” Said Chan-Bup, Park, President and COO of Asiana Airlines.

“The A330/A340 family of aircraft have been an outstanding success with the leading airlines in the Asia-Pacific region over the past decade and I am delighted to welcome Asiana Airlines to this prestigious group. The passenger appeal and low operating cost experience gained with the A321 fleet has already demonstrated the competitive superiority of Airbus products and we wish Asiana further success with the widebody A330 fleet in the years ahead” said Noël Forgeard, President and CEO of Airbus.

The Airbus A330/A340 Family of aircraft has established market leadership in the 240-380 seat category with over 850 orders from 64 customers to date, which includes 236 orders from 18 customers in the Asia-Pacific region.

All Airbus aircraft feature the latest technology at no extra charge – such as advanced fuel-saving aerodynamics, including wing tip fences, widespread weight-saving carbon fibre composites, and pilot and maintenance-friendly fly-by-wire controls and centralised maintenance.

A leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive product line on the market, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., China and Japan. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE Systems.

Asiana Takes Delivery of First A330

Stock Quotes