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The Air France-KLM Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for 60 A220-300 aircraft to modernize its fleet. By acquiring the aircraft, the airline will benefit from a significant reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions. These A220s are intended to be operated by Air France and will be built at Airbus’s Mirabel, Que., facility.
“The acquisition of these brand new A220-300s aligns perfectly with Air France-KLM’s overall fleet modernization and harmonization strategy,” said Benjamin Smith, CEO of the Air France-KLM Group. “This aircraft demonstrates optimum operational and economic efficiency and enables us to further improve our environment footprint thanks to the A220’s low fuel consumption and reduced emissions. It is also perfectly adapted to our domestic and European network and will enable Air France to operate more efficiently on its short and medium-haul routes.”
“It is an honour for Airbus that Air France, a long-standing valued customer, has endorsed our latest family member, the A220, for its fleet renewal plans,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus chief executive officer. “We are committed to supporting Air France with our A220 by bringing the latest technologies, efficiency levels, and environment benefits. We are delighted to embark on this partnership and we are looking forward to seeing the A220 flying in the Air France colours.”
The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100- to 150-seat market; it delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency and widebody passenger comfort in a single-aisle aircraft. The A220 brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines to offer at least 20 per cent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft. The A220 offers the performance of larger single-aisle aircraft.
Air France currently operates a fleet of 144 Airbus aircraft.
With an order book of 551 aircraft as of end of June 2019, the A220 has all the credentials to win the lion’s share of the 100-to-150-seat aircraft market, estimated to represent 7,000 aircraft over the next 20 years.
This is great news and hopefully the start of more to come. A shame that Bombardier had to sell 51% but Airbus seems to be a good partner. As the 220 series fortunes rise, Boeing’s fortunes seem to be stalled. I am churlish enough to mildly enjoy that.