AWAS Places Order for 75 Airbus A320 Family Aircraft

Released on Wednesday, January 09, 2008

The Dublin based lessor AWAS has signed a firm contract for 75 A320 Family aircraft bringing their Airbus portfolio to a total of 145, comprising single aisle and long-range aircraft. This is the first order announced by Airbus this year.

Being one of the three largest aircraft leasing companies in the world, AWAS has a diversified selection of commercial aircraft and is a leader in next generation technology.

"This transaction represents a natural extension of the new aircraft order stream that we acquired in 2007 through the acquisition of Pegasus Aviation Finance Company," said Franklin L. Pray, AWAS President and CEO. "Consistent with our long-term strategy, this deal further diversifies our fleet and allows AWAS to meet current and future demand from our customers for highly fuel efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft," he added.

"Having AWAS, one of the most respected and leading aircraft operating lease enterprises, expanding its portfolio with A320 Family aircraft, confirms that this aircraft family continues to be very much in demand and meets current and future market needs," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. "The technological leadership, the superior, larger and more comfortable cabin as well as the increased storage volume contribute to making it the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family." he added.

The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognised as being the most popular single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly by wire controls and all share unique cockpit commonality across the range. Over 5,800 Airbus A320 Family have been sold and over 3,300 delivered to more than 200 customers and operators worldwide, making it the worlds best selling commercial jetliner ever.

With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family offers the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. In addition, the latest new cabin design saves on weight and offers the passenger a quieter and roomier experience as well as significantly larger overhead stowage lockers.

Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerised cargo system, which is compatible with the worldwide standard wide-body system.