Airbus reports best Farnborough Airshow with 496 orders including 133 A330neo/ceo orders

Airbus stated (17-Jul-2014) it reported its best performance ever at the biennial Farnborough Airshow, with the manufacturer logging new business for 496 aircraft - including 133 widebody aircraft with agreements involving the newly-launched A330neo and in-production A330ceo versions, along with the soon-to-enter-service A350 XWB. Airbus said the A330neo "was at the centre of attention" at the Airshow, with Airbus' go-ahead for the launch of this new engine option aircraft followed by rapid-paced announcements of commitments for 121 aircraft. These bookings involved both versions being offered: the A330-800neo, which has the same fuselage length as Airbus' in-production A330-200ceo; and the A330-900neo, which uses the A330-300ceo's fuselage length. A330neo airline commitments were received from AirAsia X involving 50 aircraft; and Transaero Airlines, for 12 A330neo aircraft - its first European airline. In addition, an unnamed Asian customer signed for four A330neos. Completing the A330neo transactions revealed at Farnborough were agreements with three aircraft lessors: Air Lease Corporation, Avolon and CIT Group, which committed to acquiring a combined total of 55. Executives of these leasing companies predicted an overall sales potential for more than 1,000 A330neos. Other new widebody business detailed during the air show event were Transaero's commitment for eight A330ceo aircraft and the MoU from Air Mauritius for six A350 XWBs. Also at the Farnborough Airshow, the A320 family aircraft saw 363 orders and commitments announced, led by SMBC Aviation Capital's firm order for 110 A320neo and five A320ceos. It was joined by transactions with AerCap, BOC Aviation, the CIT Group, Hong Kong Aviation Capital and International Airlines Group (IAG). [more - original PR]