Airbus wrapped up its show in style yesterday, announcing a string of orders together worth $10.8 billion. The sales and commitments were mainly for A320 aircraft, but there was also more interest in the A350.
The major order came from Indian start-up IndiGo, the launch of which was announced yesterday by InterGlobe Enterprises.
"The aviation industry in India is on the threshold of the next big revolution and IndiGo is ideally positioned to fill the fast-emerging need for reliable, efficient and economical air travel," said InterGlobe managing director Rahul Bhatia.
"IndiGo will also make a humble yet significant contribution to India's growth by creating employment opportunities directly and through ancillary services."
With a $5.5bn deal under its belt, Airbus then went on to conclude a $4.8bn purchase agreement with Brazil's TAM. It is for 20 A320 family aircraft plus 20 options. TAM also signed a memorandum of understanding to buy eight A350-900s plus seven options.
The A320 family aircraft will be delivered between the end of January and 2010. Configured in a single class lay-out, they will be used on TAM's domestic and intra-regional network. Deliveries of the A350 are scheduled to start at the end of 2012.
ABC Aerolineas of Mexico also signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for the acquisition of 10 A320s plus 10 options. The signing makes the airline a new Airbus customer.
ABC plans to launch new services under the Interjet brand.
Source: Flight Daily News
