Day 2 at the 54th Paris Air Show 2023, Airbus continues adding to its order books with more orders for its A220, A320 and A350 aircraft.
This article will cover the details surrounding Airbus’ second day at Paris Air Show 2023.
Airbus’ Paris Air Show Day 2
Qantas Orders Nine Additional A220s:
Starting their second day at the 54th Paris Air Show off, Airbus has announced an order with Australian flag carrier, Qantas, for an additional nine Airbus A220-300s. This order brings Qantas’ total backlog of the Airbus A220-300 with Airbus to 29 frames.
It is still expected that Qantas will take delivery of their first Airbus A220-300 later this year and the aircraft will initially be used across its domestic route network throughout Australia.
Commenting on the new order with Qantas, Airbus’ Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer, says, “We are pleased to announce this incremental order from Qantas.”
“Best in class, the A220 will be the perfect platform for a domestic network that includes everything from short hops to flights of five hours and beyond. Combining efficiency, comfort and longer range, the A220 will also contribute from Day 1 to the carrier’s far-reaching Climate Action Plan.”
Philippine Airlines Orders Nine A350-1000s:
Finalising their order with Airbus, Philippine Airlines has placed an order for nine A350-1000s, which will be added to its existing fleet of two Airbus A350-900s.
Their new Airbus A350-1000s are set the be delivered between 2025 and 2027. The aircraft will be able to carry up to 380 passengers in a three-class configuration, 42 Business, 24 Premium Economy, and 314 Economy class seats.
During the press briefing, Philippine Airlines executives did mention that over the coming years they will be replacing their Boeing 777-300ER fleet with Airbus A350s, which will most likely be the A350-1000, however, they did comment that they are still assessing options as to whether they will keep and expand their existing Airbus A350-900 fleet, or replace those with more A350-1000s.
Commenting on their newest order with Airbus, President and Chief Operating Officer, Captain Stanley K. Ng, says, “This order will see PAL operating one of the youngest and most modern widebody fleets in Asia.”
“We selected the A350-1000 to give PAL the power to match capacity closely to predicted demand on both the very longest routes to the North American East Coast but also on our prime trunk routes to the West Coast and potentially to Europe as well. At the same time the aircraft will use significantly less fuel than older aircraft of a similar size, which also brings an important reduction in carbon emissions.”
Adding to Captain Stanley K. Ng’s comments, PAL Holdings Inc President and Chief Operating Officer, Lucio C. Tan III, adds, “At Philippine Airlines we are committed to offering our passengers the best possible travel experience.”
“These state-of-the-art aircraft will enable us to give them the convenience of nonstop flights on long range routes in a comfortable passenger cabin where our cabin crew can do what they do best – extend gracious service and world-class Filipino hospitality. The A350-1000 is our “Mission Aircraft” to connect the world and boost the Philippine economy and society.”
Finally, Airbus’ Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer, says, “This order is another strong endorsement of the A350 as the world’s long range leader. In terms of non-stop flying capability, efficiency and passenger comfort it is proven to be best in class. It also brings significant reduction in emissions and an immediate contribution to industry sustainability goals.”
“And in the larger widebody category, the A350-1000 has set a standard of its own, with the lowest operating costs and emissions for intercontinental service. We thank Philippine Airlines for its ongoing confidence in Airbus and look forward to working with the airline as the A350 becomes the flagship of its widebody fleet.”
Air India Finalizes Order:
Airbus’ largest order of the day comes as Air India finalises their February order for 250 aircraft, broken down as 140 A320neos, 70 A321neos, 34 A350-1000s, and six A350-900s.
Air India’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, says, “Our ambitious fleet renewal and expansion programme will see Air India operate the most advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft across our route network within five years.”
“We are proud to be working with all our partners, including Airbus, in this journey to rebuild a global airline which reflects India taking a more confident posture around the world.”
Adding to Wilson’s comments, Airbus’ Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer, says, “We are excited to be a key partner in the renaissance of the Flying Maharaja. Under the leadership of the Tata Group and a focussed new management, this is one of the most ambitious projects in the airline business today.”
“We are proud that the efficiencies, comfort and range capability offered by our latest generation aircraft will contribute to the process, as Air India reclaims its rightful position as a world-class premium carrier. The Airbus services package is a perfect future-oriented choice that will form a core element of Air India’s transformation.”
Volaris Discloses A321neos:
Airbus’ final announcement of the day at the Paris Air Show is with Mexican carrier, Volaris, for the disclosure of 25 additional A321neos that was from a purchase agreement that was signed with the carrier back in October 2022. These extra 25 frames will see Volaris’ current backlog increase to 143 A320neo Family frames.
Enrique Beltranena, Volaris President and Chief Executive Officer, comments on this announcement, saying, “These A321neos will support our long-term business viability and sustainability strategy, while moving us closer to operating an all-NEO fleet by 2028.”
“Our 143 aircraft backlog demonstrates Volaris financial strength and will guarantee our growth in the Mexican market as well as in routes to the United States and Central America.”
Adding to Beltranena’s comments, Airbus’ Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer, says, “The A321neo’s superior performance and efficiency will continue to drive Volaris’ network growth.”
“As the fleet grows the airline will be well positioned to meet future demand, especially in the Mexican leisure market. We look forward to working closely with Volaris as it continues to spread its wings.”
Overall
Airbus has had a smaller second day as opposed to their historic day one at the 54th Paris Air Show 2023, however, it has still be productive for the European manufacturer.
Lets see what day three of the show brings for them.
