UNITED AIRLINES ORDERS 15 A320 FAMILY AIRCRAFT

On the heels of a 44-order year for Airbus aircraft in 2000, United Airlines has ordered 15 A320 Family aircraft, comprised of seven A319s and eight A320s. Deliveries of all these newly-ordered aircraft are slated for the first quarter of 2003. This latest order puts United in the top position in terms of number of Airbus aircraft ordered (192) by any airline worldwide. United’s A320 Family aircraft are powered by International Aero Engines V2500 series powerplants.

In 1996, the year the A319 entered service, United became the first U.S. airline to order the aircraft. United currently operates a fleet of 103 Airbus aircraft, all A319s and A320s. The 107 to 185 seat A320 Family, comprised of the A318, A319, A320 and A321 is the best-selling aircraft family in the world. The A320 Family offers passengers the widest cabin and most comfortable seats of any single-aisle airliner, as well as an unmatched combination of economy and range.

“It is a true testament to the value and demand for Airbus aircraft that our largest airline customer resides in the United States,” said Noël Forgeard, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. “United has been key to our growth in the North American market, and we anticipate being a major player in United’s continued competitive success in the future.”

Worldwide orders for A320 Family airliners currently stand at nearly 2700 aircraft from 103 customers.

Airbus is jointly owned by BAE SYSTEMS (20 per cent) and EADS (80 per cent).