America west firms up order for A320 family aircraft

America West has placed a new order for ten A320s and seven A319s. This firms up a commitment announced by the airline in May 2004. America West will lease an additional four A320 Family aircraft from various lessors. One more A320 Family aircraft will be either purchased or leased – a decision by the airline is pending - bringing the total transaction to 22 aircraft. Deliveries of the purchased aircraft begin in late 2005 and will run through 2006. IAE V2500 engines will power all the America West A320 Family aircraft.

“The A320 Family continues to satisfy our needs of flexibility, economy and comfort,” said America West Chairman and CEO Doug Parker. “While our industry continues to face economic challenges, including record high fuel costs, the low-cost sector continues to outperform. These aircraft allow America West to provide our customers with the quality service they have come to expect.”

“The A320 Family found its initial success in the United States with airlines that wanted to cover many requirements with a streamlined fleet operation,” said Noël Forgeard, President and CEO of Airbus. “The low-cost carriers like America West have taken that philosophy to the next level, and the A320 Family is repeatedly found at the center of successful low-cost operations in North America. We are honored to be a growing part of the America West success story.”

Each of the America West A320s will accommodate 12 passengers in first class and 138 in economy. The airline’s A319s will also seat 12 in first class, plus 112 in the main cabin. America West took delivery of its first A320 in 1991 and introduced the A319 in 1998. The airline’s fleet currently stands at 32 A319s and 53 A320s.

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...