04:20 pm - Tuesday
Turkish Airlines orders A-330 Freighters
Toulouse, France - The number of total orders from 10 customers grows to 69
(WAPA) - Turkish Airlines (TA) has signed a firm order for the purchase of two A-330/200F freighter aircraft, becoming a new customer for this aircraft type. The aircraft will be powered by Rolls Royce engines and will join Turkish Airlines’ existing all Airbus freighter fleet of four Airbus A-310s from Autumn 2010.
The aircraft will be used to support Turkish Airlines ambitious growth plans, which include the expansion of its cargo operations. “The flexibility and efficiency of the A-330/200 freighter, together with its commonality with our existing Airbus fleet made the new A-330 Freighter the ideal choice for expansion of our cargo operations”, said Dr Candan Karlitekin, Chairman of Turkish Airlines.
John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, said: “With its low costs and adaptable operational configurations, the A-330/200F is the best choice in today’s freight market. We have a long history with Turkish Airlines and are pleased that they have chosen the newest member of the Airbus family for their cargo operations".
Turkish Airlines has operated Airbus aircraft since 1985, and currently has a fleet of 67 Airbus aircraft, including four A-310s, 47 A-320 family aircraft, seven A-330s and nine A-340s. 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. With a greater payload than initially anticipated, the A-330/200F offers two operational configurations depending on the planned mission.
The aircraft can carry more than 64 metric tonnes over 4,000 nautical miles / 7,400km, or more than 69 metric tonnes up to 3,200 nautical miles / 5,930 km, non-stop. These range and payload capabilities will enable operators to grow their business by opening up or extending cargo routes they currently operate. Thanks to an optimized fuselage cross-section, it has the interior flexibility to carry a wide variety of pallet and container sizes for maximum interlining capability, offering 30% more volume than any freighter in its class.
The A-330/200 Freighter made its first flight on 5th November and is on track for certification and deliveries starting in 2010. Total orders for the aircraft stand at 69 from 10 customers less than one month after first flight. The Airbus Global Market Forecast predicts a need for over 1,600 mid-sized freighters in the next 20 years. (Avionews)
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Direttore Clara Moschini