Avianca Takes Delivery of its First Airbus A330-200

Released on Friday, October 03, 2008

The Colombian flag carrier Avianca took delivery of its first Airbus A330-200 today. This A330 is the first of ten aircraft of this type to be delivered to the prestigious airline. This aircraft is part of an Avianca order for 57 Airbus aircraft, which was signed in May 2007, and includes 47 Airbus A320 Family aircraft and ten A330-200s. Avianca also ordered another three A320s via leasing companies. Avianca's main shareholder, the Synergy Group, has furthermore purchased ten A350XWBs.

The airline will operate the A330 on its intercontinental network to Europe, and on routes in the Americas. The aircraft will be able to accommodate 280 passengers in a spacious two-class configuration, and will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent772B engines.

Avianca, Colombia's largest airline, already received one A320 and three A319s this year as start of a complete fleet renewal programme. Until the end of 2008, Avianca will still receive another A319, one more A320 and one additional A330-200.

"After the A320 and the A319s, which are already successfully flying within our fleet, we are very happy to receive the A330 for our long haul operations. It will perfectly fit into our existing fleet while providing additional flexibility in range and capacity. We have chosen this aircraft not only for its superior performance and economics, but also for our passengers to enjoy the highest comfort standards", said Fabio Villegas, President of Avianca.

John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers added: "Avianca's choice of the A330-200 for its modernisation strategy shows the airline's drive for unbeatable economics. We look forward to seeing our long range bestseller flying in the fleet of one of the longest established airlines of the world."

The A330-200 offers the widest and most comfortable cabin in its class. Avianca's A330-200 will in addition be equipped with the latest on-board entertainment system, including individual touch screens and monitors with USB and IPOD access.

With a true wide-body fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330-200 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit the diverse customer requirements. It has a range of up to 6,750 nm / 12,500 km with a full passenger load. Its large under-floor cargo holds can also carry standard pallets and containers side-by-side.

It also has the excellent operational flexibility necessary to serve a wide range of route structures, providing operators with very low operating cost per seat. Its proven record of economy and superior passenger comfort provides operators with a significant competitive advantage in the market today.