Syphax signs agreements for A320 aircraft

Airbus announced (15-Jan-2013) on its Twitter feed that it signed an agreement with Syphax Airlines for three A230ceo and three A320neo aircraft. Syphax Airlines chairman Mohamed Frikha, speaking to Reuters, said the carrier had signed an agreement for 10 aircraft, with a value of up to USD600 million. CFM International stated Syphax Airlines has selected the company's LEAP-1A to power three A320neo aircraft and CFM56-5B engines to power three three A319/A320ceo aircraft, respectively. The airline will take delivery of its first A320ceo in 2015, while the new A320neo aircraft are scheduled to begin delivery in 2019. The firm engine orders are valued at USD145 million at list price. CFM also stated Syphax plans to introduce five additional leased A320ceos over the next few years. Launched in 2011, Syphax Airlines is the first private Tunisian "hybrid" airline. Syphax hopes to help expand the regional economy by providing essential access from its two main hubs, Sfax-Thyna Airport and Tunis-Carthage. The airline serves destinations in the Mediterranean basin such as France, Germany, Libya, and Turkey, in addition to domestic routes with two leased CFM56-5B-powered A319ceo aircraft. [more - original PR]