AIRBUS today announced orders for 14 of its A320 aircraft from Air New Zealand in a key boost for its wing-making Broughton plant, near Chester.
Air New Zealand said the A320s will replace its existing domestic fleet of 15 Boeing 737-300s.
The A320 offers more capacity compared with Boeing aircraft and the operator has also agreed to place purchase options for a further 11 A320s, including the possibility of selecting the larger A321.
Bruce Parton, Air New Zealand general manager short haul airline, said: “Our 12 Airbus A320s already deployed on short haul international routes are performing well and moving to one single-aisle aircraft type for both domestic and short haul international routes will immediately deliver added efficiencies in maintenance, crew training and overall fleet simplification.”
Airbus chief operating officer, customers, John Leahy, added: “Air New Zealand will reap the benefits of selecting a common family of aircraft across their domestic and short haul single-aisle fleet.
“The A320 prevailed in the stiffest of competitions to show once again that it is the single aircraft of choice bar none.
“We are delighted to build on our already close relationship with Air New Zealand with this announcement.”
