SINGAPORE AIRLINES (SIA) has signed a contract confirming its previously announced order for ten Airbus Industrie A340-300E long-haul passenger aircraft and 20 options.
SIA announced in June 1994 its intention to buy up to 30 A340s, worth a total of $5.4 billion (Flight International, 29 June-5 July 1994). At the same time, the airline announced plans to purchase 11 Boeing 747-400s, with options for an additional 11.
The airline will be the launch customer for the -300E version of the A340, which will have an increased, 271,220kg, maximum take-off weight. The CFM56-5C4-powered aircraft will have an extended range of 13,230km (7,150nm).
SIA's 20 A340 options can be converted to A330s, to meet its requirement for a future "Y" regional aircraft. The Singapore contract increases the A340/330 order book to 263 aircraft.
Airbus Industrie's Rolls-Royce Trent 700-powered A330 was certificated on 22 December 1994, by the European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) board: it is the first Airbus ever to be offered with Rolls-Royce engines.
The JAA also cleared the aircraft for Category III landings, thereby assuring launch customer Cathay Pacific Airways of delivery in February, says Airbus.
The aircraft/engine combination is due to be cleared in mid-1995 for extended-range, twin- engine operations 120min from the nearest airport.
Source: Flight International
