A320_Sharklets

China Aviation Supplies (CAS) has entered into a General Terms Agreement (GTA) with Airbus for the purchase of 60 aeroplanes, including 42 single-aisle A320 family airliners and 18 wide-body A330 aircraft, in a deal worth $8bn.

The agreement was signed by CAS president and CEO Li Hai and Airbus president and CEO Fabrice Brégier in Beijing in the presence of French President François Hollande and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Chinese government-owned CAS will assign the new aeroplanes to the carriers in the future, based on the requirement.

Commenting on the deal, Mr Brégier said: "The A320’s high reliability and low operational cost has made it very popular with Chinese airlines.

"As congestion puts pressure on airports in large cities in China, the A330 is an excellent solution as larger aircraft can transport more passengers with less flights. The comfort of the A330’s spacious cabin is also appealing to passengers."

Brégier added: "These eco-efficient Airbus aircraft will contribute to the growth and success of China’s aviation sector."

As of the end of March 2013, there were about 750 A320 family aircraft in operation with 14 Chinese airlines and more than 110 A330s in operation with six operators, according to Airbus.

To date, more than 9,400 A320 family aircraft have been ordered and about 5,500 have been delivered to more than 385 customers and operators worldwide.

The A320 family has the lowest operating costs compared with any single-aisle aircraft.

It also offers a containerised cargo system, which is compatible with the global standard wide-body system, according to Airbus

Featuring 250 to 300 seats, the A330 family airliner includes freighter, VIP and military transport / tanker variants, and has logged more than 1,200 orders, of which around 900 aircraft are flying with some 90 operators worldwide.

Image: CAS will assign the new aeroplanes to the carriers in the future, based on the requirement. Photo: Courtesy of S. Ramadier / Airbus S.A.S.

Defence Technology