AIRBUS SIGNS USD 8.6 BLN DEAL WITH PORTUGAL’S AIRLINE

Paris, 2 Shafar 1437/14 November 2015 (MINA)- European aircraft manufacturer Airbus announced on Friday it had signed a firm contract with Portuguese airline TAP for 53 planes, with a catalogue value of over USD 8.5 billion.

A statement from Airbus indicated that TAP will take 14 wide-body A330-neo long-haul aircraft, 24 mid-range A321-neo planes and 15 A320-neo carriers.

The “neo” versions of the Airbus family are ecologically more friendly and fuel-efficient, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) quoting Kuna News reported.

The latest deal is a modification of a previous order by TAP with the European plane-maker, Airbus said.

“Our latest order for 14 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft and 39 A320neo Family aircraft reflects our ongoing commitment to provide our customers with the next generation of fuel-efficient aircraft,” said Fernando Pinto, TAP Portugal CEO.

“The A330neo, like the A320neo Family, will give us the flexibility to enter new markets and improve the frequency of existing ones due to its combination of high reliability, low operating costs and exceptional comfort,” Pinto said.

“With this order for 53 brand new aircraft TAP is reborn.”

TAP Portugal is an all Airbus customer, currently operating 43 A320 Family aircraft and 18 Widebody Family aircraft. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)