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Low-cost carrier easyJet received its first Airbus A319 today. It is the first
aircraft from a 120 unit order placed the carrier at the end of last year. easyJet
will receive five A319s this year, all of which will be based at its subsidiary
easyJet Switzerland in Geneva. The remaining aircraft will be delivered to the
UK carrier by the end of 2007. All aircraft will be powered by CFM-56-5B
engines from CFM international.
The A319 is a member of Airbus' single-aisle Family, comprising the A318,
A319, A320 and A321 and has a seat capacity between 107 and 220 seats.
The A320 Family offers a range of essential benefits to low cost airlines: Wider
aisles and full-scale service doors, as well as a bigger, more accessible cargo
area enabling faster turnaround times. Furthermore the A320 Family aircraft
are equipped with some of the biggest overhead storage spaces in their class for more
convenient storage of modern roll-aboard luggage. In easyJet's chosen configuration the A319 has 156 seats in a comfortable single-class layout.
"The easyJet business model is based on flying from convenient local airports
to some of Europe's most popular and attractive destinations and the A319
will enable us to continue to offer this unique mix saving passengers both
time and money for many years to come", said Ray Webster, easyJet Chief Executive Officer.
"We are delighted to hand over the first A319 to easyJet today. As a member of
the renowned A320 Family, it is the right choice for easyJet and for the
low-cost market. It offers an unmatched combination of low seat mile costs
and reduced financial risk for airlines," said Noël Forgeard, Airbus President
and Chief Executive Officer. "With nearly 350 A320 Family aircraft in operation
and on order for the European low-fare industry, Airbus is the clear market
leader in this segment," he added. |
