Martinair selects the Airbus A320

After an intensive evaluation process, the Dutch carrier Martinair has selected Airbus' single-aisle A320 to expand its fleet. This decision was driven by the A320's superior economics and outstanding level of comfort. The Amsterdam-based airline will be the first carrier to operate the A320 in the Netherlands. It is scheduled to receive two A320s on lease in April 2003, while holding an option for an additional delivery in the spring of 2004.

Martinair, which is jointly owned by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Royal Nedlloyd, serves charter and scheduled passenger routes, as well as operating a major world-wide cargo business. The A320s, powered by International Aero Engines' V2527, are ideally suited to Martinair's strategy to increase its network of holiday destinations around the Mediterranean Sea. 

The A320 is a member of Airbus' market leading A320 Family, which also comprises the A318, A319, and A321. These aircraft share the widest single-aisle fuselage on the market, allowing airlines to offer top-of-the-range comfort with wider seats and wider aisles. Furthermore, the superior cabin size and shape allows larger overhead stowage compartments to be fitted for greater convenience. In Martinair's layout the A320 will accommodate 180 seats in a comfortable one-class layout. 

The A320 Family's impressive level of dispatch reliability further enhances profitability and passenger service. In addition, the A320 Family is an environmentally responsible neighbour, offering the lowest fuel burn, emissions and noise footprints in its class.

Airbus' A320 Family is the market leader in the new generation single-aisle market with nearly 2,900 firm orders from more than 100 customers.

A leading aircraft manufacturer, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., China and Japan. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE SYSTEMS.