The Mexican start-up Interjet has signed a contract with Airbus for the acquisition of ten firm A320s plus 10 options, becoming a new Airbus customer. This deal confirms Interjet’s selection of the Airbus aircraft as announced during the Paris Air Show in June.

Deliveries of the newly ordered A320s to Interjet will begin in the second quarter of 2007. Each aircraft will accommodate 150 passengers in a comfortable single-class configuration. No engine choice has been made to date.

Interjet, a company fully owned by ABC AerolĂ*neas SA de CV, will start operations in December 2005 from Toluca airport, next to Mexico City. Interjet's initial fleet consists of seven previously owned A320s recently acquired by ABC AerolĂ*neas in Europe.

"The A320 is without a doubt the reference in the low cost market. It ideally combines unmatched operating costs with the highest level of passenger comfort," says Miguel Alemán, President of Interjet. "We will introduce the low-fares and high efficiency concept in the Mexican air transport industry whilst preserving the highest standards of service quality and safety for travellers on domestic routes in Mexico."

"We are delighted and proud to take part in the expansion of the Mexican air transport industry and we are convinced that the A320 will contribute to Interjet’s commercial success in Mexico." says Gustav Humbert, President and CEO of Airbus.

The A320 Family, recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family, also includes the A318, the A319 and A321 versions and features the newest and most modern design of any single-aisle airliner, with a passenger-pleasing cabin that is popular with travellers - as independent surveys demonstrate. An advanced fuel-saving aerodynamic design, including wingtip fences, centralised maintenance with extended servicing intervals, and proven reliability in day-to-day service contribute to providing the lowest operating costs.

More than 3,500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been ordered, of which more than 2,500 have been delivered to date. The Airbus 320 Family has more than 160 customers and operators to its credit.

Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS joint company with BAE Systems.

More...