The Azerbaijan flag carrier, Azerbaijan Airlines, has now placed a firm order with Airbus for 12 A320neo Family aircraft. The bulk purchase includes both A320neo and A321neo variants. The contract signing ceremony has been held in Baku to firm the arrangement.
Fleet renewal programme
The acquisition of the new A320neo Family aircraft forms part of the national carrier’s fleet renewal strategy. The move will provide a more fuel-efficient aircraft, increase operational efficiency and increase market competitiveness.
The engine choice has not yet been disclosed and will be announced by the airline at a later stage.
“We are pleased to continue mutually beneficial cooperation with Airbus on the modernization program of our fleet and intend to strengthen the bilateral partnership.”
“The signed contract will provide our passengers with the most modern and comfortable single-aisle aircraft,” First Vice-President of AZAL CJSC Samir Rzayev said.
“This order marks an important milestone in the fruitful relationship between Airbus and Azerbaijan Airlines,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International.
“The A320neo Family continues to be a top choice for airlines looking for fuel-efficient and cost-effective fleet solutions.”
“This order is a testament to the trust our customers have in the performance and reliability of our aircraft. We are confident that this choice will further boost the sustainable growth of Azerbaijan Airlines.”
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About Azerbaijan Airlines
Azerbaijan Airlines, also known as AZAL, is the flag carrier of Azerbaijan. The airline was founded in 1992, shortly after Azerbaijan gained its independence from the Soviet Union. Its headquarters are located in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan Airlines operates both domestic and international flights to destinations across Europe, Asia, and North America. Its fleet consists of a mix of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 767, Airbus A319, and 4 Airbus variants as listed below.
In addition to passenger flights, Azerbaijan Airlines also operates cargo services, charter flights, and helicopter flights for offshore oil and gas companies operating in the Caspian Sea.
Azerbaijan Airlines has received a number of awards for its service, including being named “Best Airline in the CIS” by Skytrax in 2011 and 2012.
However, the airline faced some setbacks with few incidents, including a fatal crash in 2016. The airline has since taken steps to improve its safety record and has implemented new safety measures.
Current Airbus fleet
Currently Azerbaijan Airlines operates a fleet of 15 Airbus aircraft. The fleet is comprised of 4 A319ceo, 6 A320ceo, 2 A340s and since the beginning of the year, 3 new generation A320neo aircraft.
The airline now plans to deploy the more efficient A320neo Family aircraft to further develop both its domestic and international route network.
The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 20 percent fuel burn and CO2 emission saving.
With some 8,700 orders from 135 customers, the A320neo Family is the world’s most popular aircraft.
