Positive start to tough year for Airbus

Jan 10 2008 by Tony McDonough, Liverpool Daily Post

AIRCRAFT maker Airbus reported its first order in 2008 yesterday when it said Irish leasing company AWAS had signed a firm contract to buy 75 A320 jets.

The value of the deal, which could include discounts, was not disclosed but based on list prices would be worth around £2bn. Wings for the jets will be made at Airbus’ Broughton site, near Chester, helping to secure the jobs of some of the 7,000 workers there.

The order will take AWAS’ Airbus fleet size to 145 single aisle and long-range aircraft.

AWAS chief executive Franklin Pray said: “Consistent with our long-term strategy, this deal further diversifies our fleet and allows AWAS to meet current and future demand from our customers for highly fuel efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft.”

Despite the good start to Airbus’ 2008 orderbook, both the European aircraft manufacturer and its American rival Boeing are facing the prospect of a drop in orders this year.