Air China jointly with CASC order 20 Airbus A330-200 aircraft

Air China today signed a contract with Airbus for the purchase of 20 Airbus A330-200s, scheduled for delivery from May 2006. China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group (CASC) was also involved in this deal by signing a GTA with Airbus.

“These 20 A330-200 aircraft will help us expand our fleet and open new international routes,” said Li Jiaxiang, President of Air China. “The A330-200 will also further strengthen our reliability, punctuality and efficiency, and improve our competitiveness in the global market.”

“Today’s A330 contract is the first one that I am signing since I took over my new responsibilities last month. I am very happy this happens to be with Air China, the flagship carrier of China,” said Gustav Humbert, Airbus new President and CEO, “Airbus also enjoys a good and long lasting relationship with CASC, and we highly appreciate the confidence CASC has shown to Airbus over the years.”

Airbus’ business in China has been steadily expanding since it first entered the country in 1985. The Airbus fleet in service in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao has grown to nearly 300 aircraft today from just 29 in 1995. A world-class training and support centre, which represents a US$80 million investment by Airbus, is fully operational in Beijing.

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