Airbus lands deal for 100 new fuel-efficient planes
AEROPLANE manufacturer Airbus has landed a mammoth order for 100 new aircraft, worth an estimated £6.5 billion.
The firm, which employs around 4,000 people in Filton, has just enjoyed one of its most successful years thanks to the popularity of its new fuel-efficient aircraft.
The A320 neo, which was designed and developed at the South Gloucestershire factory, is now one of the fastest selling planes in the history of the aviation industry.
Norwegian, one of the biggest budget airlines in Europe, has ordered 100 A320 neos in a deal that is worth more than £6.5 billion. It is the first time the Scandinavian operator has placed an order with Airbus.
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Over the last 12 months Airbus has overtaken its American rival Boeing to become the biggest aeroplane manufacturer in the world.
And even more lucrative orders are expected to be announced next month when the Farnborough Airshow takes place.
The latest order makes the Norwegian airline a new Airbus customer and also one of the biggest A320 neo operators in the wold.
Norwegian has a network of routes across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East, and is rapidly expanding its low cost flights as a result of increasing demand.
Norwegian's chief executive Bjørn Kjos said: "We are very pleased to be an Airbus customer and look forward to a close cooperation with a world-leading aircraft manufacturer.
"This order gives us an opportunity to secure and invest in the company's future. Brand new, fuel-efficient aircraft are necessary for us to continue to grow.
"From an environmental perspective, we know that Airbus is continuously working on measures to reduce emissions, making new aircraft a win-win for both the environment, our passengers and for us as a company."
John Leahy, who is in charge of sales for the firm, played a major role in sealing the massive deal.
He said: "We are very pleased to welcome Norwegian as an all-new Airbus customer. The A320 neo sets new industry standards for eco-efficiency and passenger appeal.
"Norwegian will become among the first airlines in Scandinavia to benefit from the A320neo's increased capabilities, including a 15 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions."
More than 8,400 A320 aircraft have now been ordered and more than 5,100 delivered to about 350 customers and operators across the world.
Last year Airbus announced its biggest-ever deal with an order from a budget airline based in India. Delhi-based IndiGo placed an order for 180 passenger jets worth a total of around £10 billion.
Comments
by dtiley
Monday, June 11 2012, 9:07PM
“Like I said last week, hope the big players, our local MP and councils, the LEP and all who have influence are lobbying for Filton MANUFACTURING to have some of the crumbs off the table of this order, as I implored SGC, please keep Filton MANUFACTURING.
Shiny new offices yes, new work for the old workforce - YES - and work for the million kids who are currently unemployed - Apprenticeships - YES.
100 years of work here, here's to the next century - why not?”
by KBarad
Monday, June 11 2012, 5:53PM
“Hate to say it, but since we a have no future any more as an airfield, and are barely producing anything for the NEO, this doesn't help Bristol at all. It slightly annoys me that people act like this means jobs or success for Bristol. It helps Broughton more than anything, since that's where the wings are manufactured, and of course the other manufacturing sites for Airbus across Europe benefit. We aren't much more than offices in Filton now.
I suppose it's gratifying to the people who have been doing the design to see yet more happy orders though. Good work pays off, I just wish it paid more to Bristol.”
by mattysas
Monday, June 11 2012, 2:19PM
“Congrats to Norwegian, Great airline etc
With many new aircraft on order, any chance of them restarting the Oslo to Bristol direct service left vacant by SAS airlines a couple of years back?”
by Bert_Hindle
Monday, June 11 2012, 1:41PM
“Erm, didn't you post this story last week?”