Avolon, the aircraft leasing group, has announced a firm order for eight A320 aircraft from Airbus. The eight A320 aircraft will be equipped with the new fuel-saving Sharklets option. Avolon will make an engine selection for the aircraft in the near future.

Headquartered in Ireland, Avolon is rapidly emerging as one of the leading global players in the aircraft leasing sector. Leveraging off the strong financial backing of its owners and the extensive trading history of its management team, the primary asset focus of the business is on young fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft such as the Airbus A320 family.

 “This initial order for eight A320 aircraft, renowned for their efficiency and reliability, complements our existing portfolio and fully rounds out our product-offering”, said John Higgins, Avolon President and Chief Commerical Officer. “We look forward to working with Airbus as we continue to build the franchise and portfolio of our business.”

“Avolon’s management teamis well experienced in the aircraft financing, which combined with the selection of Airbus’ eco-efficient A320s equipped with the new fuel-saving Sharklets will ensure its long term success”, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “We look forward to building a strong relationship with Avolon and view their latest order as clear confirmation of the aviation sector’s faster than predicted recovery.”

Airbus launched its new “Sharklet” large wingtip devices, specially designed to enhance the eco-efficiency and payload-range performance of the A320 Family. Offered as a forward-fit option, Sharklets are expected to result in at least 3.5 percent lower fuel burn over longer sectors. The A320 will be the first model fitted with Sharklets, which will be delivered around the end of 2012, to be followed by the other A320 Family models from 2013.

Airbus aircraft share a unique cockpit and operational commonality, allowing airlines to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers, bringing operational flexibility and resulting in significant cost savings.

The A320 Family is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. With over 6,700 aircraft sold, and more than 4,400 aircraft delivered to some 310 customers and operators worldwide, it is the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. With 99.7 per cent reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft.

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