Air New Zealand takes delivery of its first ever Airbus

Air New Zealand has taken delivery of its first ever Airbus aircraft, a new A320. The aircraft, which is leased from ILFC, is the first of 15 A320 family aircraft being acquired through a mix of purchases and leases.

Air New Zealand will initially use its Airbus A320s on trans-Tasman routes to Australia and, later, on services to South Pacific islands. The aircraft seats eight passengers in business class and 138 in economy, and is powered by International Aero Engines V2500s.

Air New Zealand Managing Director and CEO Ralph Norris took delivery of the Airbus A320 from Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer Noël Forgeard, at a ceremony in Toulouse attended by ILFC Chairman Steve Udvar-Hazy.

"Our challenge is to provide passengers with attractive airfares as well as a comfortable ride and friendly service, " says Ralph Norris, "and that is exactly what our modern A320 fleet, with its operational efficiencies and spacious cabin interior will help us to provide."

"Air New Zealand is one of our earliest and most valued customers, while Airbus A320 Family aircraft are among the most successful in our portfolio, which makes for a great start to this partnership," says ILFC Chairman and CEO Steve Udvar-Hazy.

"With some 240 customers and operators of Airbus aircraft around the world, it is not every day that we add a new one, especially one as prestigious as Air New Zealand, which makes this a very special occasion for us," says Noël Forgeard.