Airbus has confirmed orders, as expected, from two Libyan carriers totaling 21 new jets including 10 A350XWB-800s.
Both carriers made initial commitments for the same orders at the Paris Air Show in June.
Afriqiyah Airways formally agreed to become the African launch customer with an order for six A350s.
Meanwhile, Libyan Airlines signed a firm contract for four A350s, four A330-200s and seven A320s, sealing the carrier’s initial commitment from June.
Both carriers plan a 2017 delivery for the A350XWBs.
The announcement on 10 December coincided with a state visit to Tripoli by French Prime Minister Nicolas Sarkozy.
“Libyan traffic growth is expected to grow significantly and having a modern and cost efficient fleet will allow Libyan Airlines to full take advantage fo that potential,” Fabrice Bregier, Airbus COO, says in a statement. Bregier also pledges Airbus will support Afriqiyah development plan.
Libyan Airlines plans to deploy the A320s both domestically and on international routes to Europe and the Middle East. The carrier’s new A330-200s will be dedicated to opening new routes to Asia.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
