Dubai 2011: ALAFCO signs $4.6bn deal for Airbus A320neo

It has signed an order worth $4.6 billion for 50 of the re-engined narrow-bodies, and took out options for 30 more to be finalised by the end of this year.

The engine choice will be announced on Tuesday (15th) and the aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2017 and 2021.

The firm contract signed yesterday is an increase of the initial agreement made at this year’s Paris airshow for 30 A320neo aircraft.

ALAFCO chairman Ahmed Al Zabin said that its customers were showing a great interest in the A320neo, hence the need to announce further firm orders for the aircraft.

He said: “The A320neo is the market’s favourite single-aisle aircraft family and the significant fuel burn savings it offers – combined with the operational reliability and cost effectiveness – make is a ‘must have’ in our portfolio.”

More than 8,100 A320 family aircraft have already been ordered and around 4,800 delivered to more than 340 customers and operators worldwide.

The A320neo offers up to 500 nautical miles (950k) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

Below: ALAFCO chairman Ahmed Al Zabin with Airbus COO John Leahy