Indian low-fare carrier Air Deccan is to order 30 more Airbus A320s for delivery from 2008.
The carrier says in a statement that it inked an agreement with Airbus last week for the purchase of the new narrowbody aircraft in a deal valued at list prices at $1.5 billion.
Air Deccan says based on current plans the order will increase to between 110 and 115 the number of aircraft in its fleet by 2012 or 2013. The carrier currently operates seven A320s and 17 ATR turboprops.
“Air Deccan has aggressive expansion plans for the future. With our extensive network, the additional acquisition will help us in increasing the number of flights and also connect newer destinations,” says managing director Capt G R Gopinath.
“The new acquisition will expedite our growth plans and take us closer to fulfilling our vision of taking low cost air connectivity across the length and breadth of the country. With enhanced orders and the resultant lower cost of acquisition, we will be able to provide lower airfares.”
Bangalore-based Air Deccan was launched as India’s first low-cost airline in August 2003 by charter aviation company Deccan Aviation. Since then several other new airlines have launched services in India.
Air Deccan launched operations with leased ATR 42s and early in 2004 placed lease and purchase orders for its first A320s. It later ordered more A320s, taking its purchase agreements with Airbus up to 32 aircraft, as well as 30 ATR 72-500s from the manufacturer. Since then it has also leased more A320s and ATR turboprops.
No engine selection is specified in Air Deccan’s statement but the carrier’s existing A320s are powered by International Aero Engines V2500s.
NICHOLAS IONIDES / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
