Middle East Airlines Orders 10 Airbus Aircraft

Middle East Airlines-Air Liban (MEA), the flag carrier of Lebanon, has signed a firm contract for ten Airbus A320neo Family aircraft (five A321neo and five A320neo aircraft). MEA has not yet unveiled its engine choice.

“Airbus’ A320neo Family is the ideal choice for an airline such as Middle East Airlines,” said MEA Chairman-Director General, Mohamad El Hout. “An aircraft offering fuel burn saving, high reliability as well as a modern and comfortable cabin is a sound investment in anyone’s books.”

MEA operates one of the most modern fleets in the Middle East region with four A330-200s, four A321s and ten A320s.

The A320neo ‘new engine option’ for the A320 Family will enter into service from late 2015. It incorporates latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15% in fuel savings, which is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel - the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year.

MEA signed a memorandum of understanding for the aircraft in July 2012.