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Airbus gets big US contract

February 4, 2013

The United States' Air Leasing Corporation (ALC) has placed a giant order for airliners built by top European manufacturer Airbus, a subsidiary of EADS. The move is expected to help Airbus compete with US rival Boeing.

https://p.dw.com/p/17XlL
The main body section of the first Airbus A350 is seen on the final assembly line in Toulouse, France REUTERS/Jean-Philippe Arles
Image: Reuters

European planemaker Airbus reported on Monday it had secured a huge order from US group Air Leasing Corporation (ALC). It signed a deal on the delivery of 20 A350-900 and five A350-1000 airliners plus 14 fuel-efficient A321 neo aircraft.

ALC Chief Executive Steven Udvar-Hazy commented that extra-wide-body aircraft were becoming the industry benchmark for efficiency in the long haul segment, with the A320 neo being ideal for airlines operating shorter routes.

"These aircraft will help airlines grow their businesses while simultaneously reducing their operating costs and emissions," said Udvar-Hazy.

Strategic advantages

The aircraft in question are to be delivered to ALC between 2018 and 2022. For Airbus, the giant order means a boost for its own operations in its fierce competition with US rival Boeing which has experienced a series of technical issues with its Dreamliner passenger plane.

Airbus explained that its A320neo series would deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings, meaning 3,600 tons of harmful carbon dioxide per aircraft annually.

The company added that its extra-wide-body planes were made mainly of composite materials based on carbon, with the aircraft capable of carrying between 270 and 350 passengers.

hg/kms (dpa, AFP)