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- Release Date: 03/06/14 10:31
- Summary: ASSET: AIR: Air New Zealand announces fleet investment
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AIR
03/06/2014 08:30
ASSET
REL: 0830 HRS Air New Zealand Limited (NS)
ASSET: AIR: Air New Zealand announces fleet investment
Air New Zealand announces fleet investment - 13 new Airbus A320neo and
another domestic A320
Air New Zealand has today announced further fleet investment with the
purchase of 13 new Airbus A320neo (new engine option) aircraft to refresh its
international narrow body fleet and an additional A320 to join its domestic
operation.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Luxon, signed the
purchase agreement with Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy
at the International Air Transport Association's Annual General Meeting in
Doha, Qatar, today.
The A320neo aircraft will replace Air New Zealand's current fleet of 13 A320s
which operate the majority of the airline's Tasman and Pacific Island
services. Equipped with new generation engines and fuel efficient Sharklet
wing tip devices they're expected to deliver fuel savings of up to 15
percent.
The A320neo purchase agreement is for a combination of A321neo and A320neo
aircraft. The exact mix will be confirmed over time but will be a minimum of
three A321neo aircraft.
The A321neo aircraft will have 38 more seats than the A320s the airline
currently operates across the Tasman and to the Pacific, allowing for future
growth on these routes. The first A321neo is due in late 2017 with the
remainder of the aircraft delivered at intervals through until 2019. The
additional A320 for the domestic fleet will be delivered in early 2015.
Mr Luxon said, "Today's announcement is incredibly exciting for Air New
Zealand as we continue our unprecedented investment in next generation
aircraft and tool the business up for growth.
"These aircraft will help to ensure we continue to operate one of the world's
youngest jet fleets. This new fleet will further enhance the experience for
our customers and will drive fuel efficiency enabling us to minimise our
carbon footprint by saving around 3,600 tonnes of CO2 per aircraft per year."
Mr Luxon said the purchase supports the airline's fleet simplification
strategy which is a key part of Air New Zealand's Go Beyond business
strategy.
"With the announcement of this purchase we can confirm our intention to have
an Airbus narrow body fleet. Operating one narrow body aircraft type will
bring important efficiencies in training, maintenance and operating costs."
Mr Leahy welcomed Air New Zealand's support for the A320neo family of
aircraft noting that it's the world's best-selling single aisle aircraft.
Airbus already has some 2,700 orders for A320neo models from 50 customers
around the globe.
The purchase agreement represents a discount to today's list price of NZ$1.6
billion. Shareholder approval is not required as the value of the transaction
is below the relevant thresholds.
Ends
End CA:00251129 For:AIR Type:ASSET Time:2014-06-03 08:31:00
