Air One took delivery of its first A320. The delivery is the first of 30 aircraft that Rome based and Italian second largest airline has purchased, becoming a new Airbus customer and operator.

Air One selected Airbus' products to replace its current fleet of Boeing 737s and to expand its operations. Air One is already serving 23 domestic and six international destinations. The airline plans to use these new aircraft on existing and new routes in Europe.

Air One has selected the CFM International CFM56-5B engines for all its A320s. In terms of cabin configuration, the airline has chosen a comfortable two-class cabin layout for up to 159 passengers, offering not only a comfortable business class but also the advantages of a wider cabin and therefore more personal space in economy class.

"Our first A320 is further proof of how Air One is improving quality and services for customers in line with our strategy and growth objectives. The complete renewal of our fleet is once again an indication of our attention to meeting our customers' needs", said Carlo Toto, the President of Air One.

Airbus' A320 Family features the most modern design in its class, the widest and most comfortable cabin, and the highest degree of operational commonality of any single-aisle aircraft. It also has great economics through lower fuel burn and maintenance costs, superior short-field performance and proven worth as an excellent financial investment.

"We are pleased that Air One has made the choice for our efficient A320, strengthening our presence in Italy, and we are proud to accompany Air One in its strategy for growth," said Airbus President and CEO Louis Gallois. "We look forward to seeing many more Air One A320s across the European skies."

Designed to optimise revenue through cabin adaptability and passenger comfort, the A320 family features the most modern and complete fly-by-wire technology available on any single-aisle aircraft in the 100-220-seat category.

The A320 family of aircraft is the most popular aircraft in the world with more than 4400 already ordered. In 2005, it outsold the competition by almost two to one. The cabin is the widest in its class, setting the standard for passenger cabin flexibility in this segment. It allows for best-in-class comfort with wider seats and aisles.

Sharing the same type rating, all A320 Family aircraft, allow pilots to fly the whole family and enables the same team of mechanics to maintain the aircraft. This level of operational commonality among aircraft is unique to Airbus and generates valuable savings in training and operational efficiency.

Headquartered in Toulouse Airbus is an EADS Company.

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