Avianca and Taca incorporate 100th Airbus to their aircraft fleet

• The incorporation of the 100th Airbus to the AviancaTaca fleet marks a major milestone in the Holding Company airlines' modernization process.

• Thanks to Airbus, Avianca and TACA have always been one step ahead in incorporating state-of-the-art technology to their medium-haul and long-haul routes.

Under the flight equipment modernization and homologation process started several years ago, Avianca and TACA are now ready to incorporate the 100th Airbus to their aircraft fleet. Delivery of the A330 aircraft by the European aircraft manufacturer, a world leader, will take place next Monday, September 17 at the manufacturing plant in Toulouse, France.

The 100th Airbus of the AviancaTaca fleet is a A330-200 model aircraft configured to seat 252 passengers - 30 in business class and 222 in economy class - who will enjoy the most spacious and comfortable double-aisle passenger cabin in the category.

With a range capability of 7,250nm at maximum capacity, the A330-200 has the versatility to cover all ranges from short-haul to true long haul - ideal for point to point operations. The aircraft that will be powered by Rolls Royce engines includes eco-friendly, highly-efficient operation systems that contribute to the environmental conservation.

According to Fabio Villegas, of AviancaTaca CEO, "The incorporation of the 100th Airbus to the AviancaTaca fleet evidences the commitment of Airbus and AviancaTaca alike to strengthen the airline industry and the progress of Latin America. […] Furthermore, this is a historical moment in the development of the airlines. With this new aircraft, not only do we increase our seat supply but also we advance in our expanded, improved customer service, which is our priority."

"Avianca and TACA have one of the youngest fleets in Latin America, averaging five years," said Rafael Alonso, Executive Vice President of Airbus in Latin America & Caribbean. "We couldn't be prouder that AviancaTaca has based their fleet modernization and expansion programs on Airbus and we look forward to celebrating many more milestones with Avianca and TACA."

This aircraft is the ninth in its category to be incorporated to the Avianca and TACA fleet. Given its exceptional operational reliability and superb fuel efficiency, AviancaTaca ordered four A330-200 Freighter models exclusively for cargo operation, which will be incorporated to the Tampa Cargo airline fleet in December 2012.

A330 Aircraft Technology

The A330-200 offers a higher takeoff weight (TOW) capability of 238 metric tons - achieved with no OEW increase. This translates into around 330nm more range, giving the aircraft a 7,250nm endurance, or an extra 3.4 tons of payload. With around 1,200 orders to date and with close to 900 aircraft delivered to over 80 operators, the A330-200 is achieving average dispatch reliability above 99 percent.

With nearly an all-Airbus fleet, Avianca and TACA have combined orders for 190 aircraft and operate 100 Airbus aircraft, including 91 A320 Family and nine A330 aircraft. Avianca and TACA have a backlog of more than 80 Airbus aircraft.

With more than 700 aircraft sold and a backlog of more than 350, over 450 Airbus aircraft are in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In the last 10 years, Airbus tripled its in-service fleet, while delivering more than 60 percent of all aircraft operating in the region.