PARIS, March 18 (Xinhua) -- European aircraft manufacturer Airbus and Indonisia's Lion Air signed a contract worth 18.4 billion euros (23.82 billion U.S. dollars) for 234 aircraft, the largest ever order obtained by Airbus, the French presidency said Monday.
"Indonesian low cost carrier becomes new Airbus customer with a major order," Airbus echoed in its latest statement.
The Indonesia's air company "has placed a firm order with Airbus for 234 A320 Family aircraft, comprising 109 A320neo, 65 A321neo and 60 A320ceo," the aircraft manufacture confirmed.
The contract was finalized on Monday morning after being signed by Co-Founder and CEO of Lion Air Group Rusdi Kirana and President and CEO of Airbus Fabrice Bregier, in the presence of French President Francois Hollande at the Elysee Palace.
According to the French presidency, the biggest ever order in the aviation industry will create 5,000 new jobs in the next 10 years.
Lion Air is one of Asia's fastest-growing airlines. As a key air service provider in Indonesia, Lion Air aims to use the aircraft to meet growth requirements on its expanding domestic and regional route network.
"This landmark order will ensure that the Lion Air Group will continue its expansion with one of the most modern and advanced fleets in the world," Kirana said, adding that "the fuel-efficient A320 Family will enable Lion Air to achieve the lowest possible operating costs and continue to offer the most competitive fares in the Asian region."
This new order came after another two large orders were announced last Friday by Airbus on the request of Turkish Airlines for a deliver of 117 aircraft of A320 family, and Lufthansa for 102 aircraft.
The A320 Family is the world's best-selling single-aisle product line with lowest operating cost in its class. To date, some 9,400 aircraft have been ordered and more than 5,400 delivered to over 380 customers and operators worldwide, according to Airbus.
The Airbus' new deal brings fresh breath to the sluggish French industries as the aviation industry is the top French exporter with 77 percent of its total turnover from exports and over 80 percent of its production exported outside Europe.
|
