Dragonair takes delivery of 10th A320

One week after taking delivery of its ninth A320, Dragonair today took delivery of its 10th Airbus A320, completing the airline's expansion programme of its passenger fleet for this year.

"The delivery means we are able to operate the most extensive schedule in our history, providing travellers with more choice than ever before and strengthening Hong Kong as an aviation hub in the process," said Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui.

The purchased, single-aisle A320 is powered by V2500 engines from IAE. It features the airline's new interior, and has a seating capacity of eight passengers in Business Class and 150 in Economy Class. The aircraft is scheduled to enter service next week. It takes the age of the airline's passenger fleet to 4.2 years, one of the youngest in the world for its size.

"With the arrival of this aircraft we are now operating 26 passenger aircraft, and have completed our passenger fleet expansion programme for 2004," Mr. Hui said. "It will resume again in 2005, when three aircraft will be delivered as part of our ongoing programme."

The airline plans to increase the size of its passenger fleet by almost one quarter between 2005 and 2006, adding six new wide-bodied A330s. It will also add five purchased Boeing 747-400 special freighters to its all-cargo fleet by the end of 2008.