Singapore based low fare carrier, Tiger Airways has agreed to acquire a further eight Airbus A320 aircraft, which will be added to the existing fleet of four leased A320s. The first of the purchased aircraft is due for delivery in March 2006 and will be deployed on the airline’s regional network that currently extends to ten cities in six countries. Tiger Airways’ A320s will be configured in a 180 - seater all economy configuration and be powered by IAE V2500 engines.

Tiger Airways is a new customer for Airbus in the Asia – Pacific region and the latest in series of low cost carriers from the region to order A320 Family aircraft. Over 370 Airbus A320 Family aircraft are already in service with 33 airlines in Asia-Pacific, with total orders from all regional carriers standing at almost 570 aircraft.

“We are delighted to be adding further Airbus A320 aircraft to our rapidly expanding fleet which will enable us to consolidate our position as Singapore’s largest low fare airline. The A320 has proved popular with both the passengers and crews of Tiger Airways and provides the airline with the economics and range necessary for our continued success.” said Tony Davis, Chief Executive Officer, Tiger Airways.

“The A320 has proven to be a great success with low cost carriers in the Asia – Pacific region and I am delighted that Tiger Airways’ experience with the aircraft during the past year has resulted in this commitment to expand the fleet. I am confident that the A320’s superb economics and high passenger appeal will contribute to Tiger Airways’ ongoing success. “ said Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer, Noel Forgeard.

The A320 offers optimum cabin comfort in its class, reflecting a common commitment that is found in all Airbus aircraft. And like all the passenger aircraft that Airbus produces today, it features many modern technology features at no extra charge – such as advanced fuel-saving aerodynamics, including winglets, widespread weight-saving carbonfibre composites, and pilot and maintenance-friendly fly-by-wire controls and centralised maintenance.

Widely accepted as the industry standard, the best–selling Airbus A320 Family comprises a variety of seating configurations that allow for a customized lay-out depending on the airliner’s needs. All of them share the same airframe – only the fuselage lengths are different – and the same cockpits, systems and engines, delivering unmatched operational commonality and savings to airlines.

A leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive product line on the market, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., China and Japan. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE Systems.



More...