Airbus Industrie (AI) will have a new model operating in the region, with the signing of an order within the past fortnight by Tunisair for three A319s. The order also covers four A320s.
It follows a powerful couple of years in the region for the European manufacturer, which has averaged 60% of all new aircraft sales in the region, hitting 90% last year.
Delivery
The first A319 delivery to Tunisair is scheduled for summer 1998, with the A320s due for delivey in spring, 1999.
The airline will become the first A319 customer in Africa and the Arab world.
"Our decision to add the A319 to our fleet and to order additional A320s is rooted in the high level of commercial and technical satisfaction we have in our A320 operation, plus the unmatched commonality between the two aircraft," said Ahmed Smaoui, chief executive officer of Tunisair.
Biggest
The airline currently operates eight A320s and one A300.
AI has done well in the region, with its biggest customer Egyptair (31 aircraft), closely followed by Emirates with 29 aircraft ordered or operational.
The ordered aircraft for Emirates are 16 A330-200s, due for delivery starting in 1999.
The aircraft, which flew for the first time in August, is at the show (in AI colours) and will fly in the daily display.
Source: Flight Daily News
