Aer Lingus is expanding its fleet of A330-300s by two aircraft following a decision to exercise options. The carrier currently operates eight A330s, increasing to 10 aircraft in 2016. With the latest decision Aer Lingus’s A330 fleet will increase to 12 aircraft.
The airline today carries over 12 million passengers each year to over 70 destinations across Ireland, the UK, Continental Europe and North America. It celebrated its 80th year of operation in May 2016.
“This further commitment by Aer Lingus to the A330 demonstrates the unmatched operating economics and operational versatility of this aircraft,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We are delighted to be continuing our long-standing partnership with Aer Lingus.”
The A330 is one of the most popular widebody aircraft ever and has to date won over 1,500 orders, with over 1,100 flying with some 110 operators worldwide. With a true wide-body fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330-300 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit the diverse customer requirements. It has a range of up to 5,650 nm / 10,500 km with a full passenger load.
Highly efficient and optimised for the medium to extended range market, the A330-300 offers the best balance between range and cost. The A330-300 remains the most economic means of flying 300 or so passengers on medium range routes in true long-haul comfort.
Industry sources are now speculating that this means Aer Lingus will not now proceed with procuring the Airbus A350.
