Airbus and Air Austral sign purchase agreement for three A220s

Air Austral has signed a firm order for three A220 aircraft, Airbus newest family member.
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With this order, Air Austral becomes the first A220 customer based in the Indian Ocean region. Benefiting from 20% reduction fuel burn and CO2 emissions, the A220s will enable Air Austral to reduce its costs and carbon footprint on international routes in the region.

"Air Austral has chosen the A220-300 as part of the renewal of its Medium and Short Haul fleet. These new generation aircraft will join the airline from the end of 2020 with the aim of harmonizing part of its fleet and strengthening its operations” said Marie-Joseph Malé, Chief Executive Officer of Air Austral. The economic and operational performance of the A220 opens new possibilities for the development of our regional network from our main base - Réunion Island - in an efficient and rational way. The 132-seat capacity module, which is more flexible, will allow us to increase our frequencies while offering more comfort to our customers and crews", he added.

“With its unrivalled performance and operational flexibility, the A220 is the perfect aircraft for Air Austral to reinforce routes between Réunion Island and its neighbours in the Indian Ocean, as well as connecting the island further afield,” said Christopher Buckley, Executive Vice-President Commercial – Airbus. “Airlines from all around the world are acknowledging the A220’s economics and it is a great honour that Air Austral will be the first A220 operator in the region.”

The A220 had an order book of over 500 aircraft at the end of September 2019.

 
Vincent Chappard

Vincent Chappard

Vincent is an aerospace editor and consultant based in Paris.