Ecuadorian state-owned flag-carrier TAME took delivery today of the first of two new A320 aircraft as part of a ceremony held in Toulouse, Southwestern France. A second Airbus single-aisle A320 will also be delivered to TAME next September 12 th, 2003. These two new aircraft are part of an operating lease agreement with GATX Air.
TAME will operate its two new A320s on non-stop routes over its regional and international network, gradually replacing its ageing Boeing 727 fleet. They will start direct non-stop service from Quito to Guayaquil and the Galapagos natural reserve.
TAME’s new A320s will be powered by International Aero Engines (IAE) V2527E-A5 type, particularly designed for high altitude take offs and landings.**
TAME’ A320s feature a luxurious seating for 162 passengers in a spacious single class layout. Airbus single-aisle aircraft have the widest cabin cross section, thus offering wider seats and a wider aisle for the best cabin comfort in its class. Furthermore, the A320 Family offers the biggest overhead bins in single-aisle aircraft for a more convenient storage of modern roll-aboard luggage.
Designed to optimise passenger comfort and maximise cost savings, the A318, A319, A320 and A321 form the world’s most profitable and best-selling single-aisle aircraft Family. The Family is in widespread service around the world with some 120 customers and operators, including a majority of airlines in Central and South America.
This choice in favour of the A320 underlines the attractiveness of Airbus aircraft as a winning long-term investment. Independent market surveys have repeatedly placed the Airbus A320 Family as the aircraft family with the highest residual value.
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.



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