Fast-growing Italian carrier Air One has placed a firm order for a dozen Airbus A350-800s and 12 firm A330-200s, together with options on 20 more, to support its move into long-haul operations.
The Rome-based carrier has taken options on a dozen A350s in addition to the 12 on firm order. It has also secured options on eight A330s in addition to the 12 it has on firm order.
Air One president Carlo Toto says: “The purchase of 24 Airbus wide-body long range aircraft is a key element in our company’s growth strategy, with a view to achieving major developments in the intercontinental market over the next few years.
“The A330s will give us the best economics and passenger comfort in the medium term, with the A350 providing us with the most efficient and modern aircraft family at the next stage of our growth plans.”
Air One this month begins long-haul scheduled operations, launching flights to Boston and Chicago from Milan Malpensa, using two A330-200s leased from International Lease Finance. It has been targeting operating 20 long-haul aircraft by 2012.
The A330s will seat 253 passengers in a two-class configuration, while the A350-800s will seat up to 287 passengers in a two-class cabin. No engine selection was announced for the A330s, while the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB is the only powerplant available on the A350.
The carrier is already in the process of taking 90 Airbus A320s to expand and replace its Boeing 737 fleet.
Source: flightglobal.com's sister premium news site Air Transport Intelligence news
Lead image © AirTeamImages (Air One Airbus A320)
Source: Flight International
