Source: AFP Author: 07/17/2008
Subject Concerned: Aircraft Airlines
South Korea's second airline Asiana said on July 17 that fuel-saving was a factor in its decision to buy 30 Airbus A350 aircraft for US$7.2 billion.
On July 16, Asiana Airlines signed a contract at the Farnborough Air Show near London to buy the extra wide body A350s from the European manufacturer.
The deal also includes an option to purchase 10 additional A350s. Deliveries of the firm orders are scheduled to begin in 2016 and end in 2022, Asiana said.
"The A350 is most suitable to meet challenges from high fuel prices and increasing environmental concerns," the airline said in a statement.
The plane, with three basic passenger versions and a freighter version, provides high operational flexibility for airlines, it added.
The A350 can carry 270-350 passengers depending on its configuration and is expected to enter service in 2013.
An Asiana spokeswoman said the company would use its reserves and borrowings to finance the purchase, without giving details.
Asiana operates routes to Europe, the United States and Asia and its existing fleet totals 69 planes. It was founded in 1988 and is part of the Kumho Asiana group.