TransAsia Airways to take delivery of its first A330 aircraft in Nov-2012

TransAsia Airways stated (30-Aug-2012) its fleet expansion is proceeding according to plan with its first A330-300 aircraft scheduled for delivery in Nov-2012. The airline currently operates a fleet of 18 aircraft, which service a network of 46 destinations within Asia. The A330-300's delivery is the first of 29 new aircraft on order, which includes two A330-300, six A321-200 and six A321neo with an option on six more, and eight ATR 72-600s with one additional option. The next scheduled delivery will be in Jan-2013, which will add a second A330-300 to its fleet. Delivery of all orders will be completed by 2022. TransAsia Airways' two A330-300 aircraft will be fitted with Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. TransAsia chairman Vincent M Lin said, "The delivery of new A330-300 aircraft will further enhance our quality of service, as well as our passengers' flight experience. They will service TransAsia's international routes to provide medium-haul passengers a more comfortable journey with an advanced in-flight entertainment technology and spacious seating." With the expanded fleet, TransAsia Airways plans to "roll out routes to many major Asian cities and beyond - within nine hours' flight time of Taiwan over the next five years." Destinations currently under consideration include Australia, New Zealand, as well as the Middle East. [more - original PR]