Airbus scores big order in China; Silk Way West orders Airbus freighters

Airbus recently confirmed the signature of orders with Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Shenzhen Airlines for a total of 292 A320 family aircraft, demonstrating the positive recovery momentum and prosperous outlook for the Chinese aviation market. Once the relevant criteria are met, these orders will enter the backlog. “These new orders demonstrate the strong confidence in Airbus from our customers. It is also a solid endorsement from our airline customers in China of the performance, quality, fuel efficiency and sustainability of the world’s leading family of single aisle aircraft.” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International. “We commend the excellent work by George Xu and the entire Airbus China team as well as our customers’ teams for having brought to conclusion these long and extensive discussions that have taken place throughout the difficult COVID pandemic.” By the end of May 2022, the in-service Airbus fleet with Chinese operators totalled over 2,070 aircraft. The A320neo family incorporates new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 20 percent fuel and CO2 savings, as well as a 50 percent noise reduction. The A320neo Family offers unmatched comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18-inch wide seats in economy as standard. At the end of May 2022 the A320neo Family had totalled more than 8,000 orders from over 130 customers. Since its entry into service six years ago, Airbus has delivered over 2,200 A320neo family aircraft contributing to 15 million tons of CO2 saving. Silk Way West Airlines signs order for two A350F freighters Silk Way West Airlines based in Baku, Azerbaijan has signed a purchase agreement for two A350F. This is the first order from the Caspian region for this aircraft type. The freighters are intended to modernise and further grow the existing fleet with the most efficient and sustainable cargo aircraft available in the market. “We are delighted to sign the first but surely not the last agreement with Airbus, which marks the start of what I am sure will be a very fruitful partnership as we strive for future growth. Today, our guests witnessed a defining moment in Silk Way West Airlines’ history. I am confident of the success that the acquisition of these new aircraft will bring us. The signing of this agreement marks a new milestone in the growth of our company. There is no doubt that this agreement will strengthen the company’s leading position in the global air freight market over the next 15-20 years,” said Mr. Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines. The A350F is based on the world’s most modern long range leader, the A350. The aircraft will feature a large main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimised for cargo operations. Over 70 percent of the airframe is made of advanced materials resulting in a 30 tonnes lighter take-off weight, which together with efficient Rolls-Royce engines generate an advantage of at least 20 percent lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions over its current closest competitor. With a 109 tonnes payload capability the A350F serves all cargo markets. Launched in 2021, the A350F records to date 31 orders and commitments from six customers. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]