Grupo Marsans Signs Contract for up to 22 A330-200s

Released on Monday, January 08, 2007

Grupo Marsans, the largest tourism and transport group in Spain, has signed a firm contract with Airbus on December 28th 2006 for the purchase of 12 A330-200 passenger aircraft, plus 10 options through Astra Worlwide International Leasing Limited (company integrated in the group). This follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed at Farnborough Air Show in July this year.

The acquisition of the new A330-200s is the first step of the group's fleet modernisation and the aircraft will be used to replace their ageing fleet of 747-200s and expand their long-haul network aircraft. Grupo Marsans' airline subsidiaries, Air Comet and Aerolineas Argentinas, amongst others, will become new operators of the type.

The aircraft will have about 280 seats in a two-class configuration, offering business-class lie-flat seats and comfortable economy seats in an eight-abreast. The aircraft will be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines.

Grupo Marsans has also signed agreements to lease two additional A340-300 to be delivered in 2007. The commonality between these A340-300s and the acquired A330-200s will bring the group further benefits with valuable savings in operation, maintenance and training.

Gonzalo Pascual, President of Grupo Marsans, explained: "This purchase confirms the important steps Grupo Marsans is taking to develop and enhance our group's market position and our long haul network. In order to do this, we have chosen the most efficient aircraft in its class. It perfectly fits our operations and will support our sustained growth in Latin America."

John Leahy, Airbus COO Customers, said: "This agreement demonstrates Grupo Marsans' confidence in Airbus' modern family of aircraft. This order proves again that the A330-200 is a perfect answer to customers that require an efficient plane, with the right range and seat capacity combination, whilst offering the highest standards of comfort to their passengers. We are proud to assist Grupo Marsans in its long haul fleet expansion."

The A330-200 is the aircraft of choice for many operators and is the unquestioned leader in its class with a commanding market share and a continually expanding operator base. The A330-200 has excellent flexibility for a wide range of route structures, providing the operator with a very low operating cost per seat as well as the widest and most comfortable cabin in its category. Its proven record of superior economics and passenger comfort provides the operator with a significant competitive advantage in the market today.

With close to 1,100 orders and 86 operators, the A330/A340/A350 Family is the world's most modern long-range family today.