Amedo

Aircraft leasing firm Amedeo has signed the final agreement for 20 Airbus A380 aircraft, worth nearly $8.3bn, at the Singapore Airshow 2014.

The contract was originally announced at the 50th Le Bourget Airshow on 17 June 2013.

Amedeo CEO Mark Lapidus said: "As world air traffic continues to double every fifteen years and airport infrastructure and slots do not, the A380 is the best solution for airlines to capture that growth and build passenger loyalty thanks to the on-board space and comfort combination that no other airliner can compete with and do so at the lowest per seat unit cost."

Amedeo’s A380 will feature improved seat-mile costs; the main deck will have capacity to accommodate 427 passengers in 18.5in-wide economy seats, while the upper deck will offer 12 first class, 66 business class and 68 economy seats.

According to Airbus, the cabin layout offers an efficient and flexible cabin configuration that reduces reconfiguration costs and eases transition from operator to operator.

Airbus Customers chief operating officer John Leahy said: "The A380 is the best tool for airlines to capture growth and increase profits. Amedeo’s tailored leasing solutions will make these benefits available to an even wider airline community, allowing us to expand the operator base of the A380 in partnership with Amadeo."

Image: (From right to left) Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier, Amedeo CEO Mark Lapidus and Airbus Customers chief operating officer John Leahy, during the announcement of the final agreement. Photo: courtesy of A Doumenjou/ Airbus SAS.

Defence Technology