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Libyan Wings orders 7 Airbus planes for $1.26b

Newly-launched airline Libyan Wings signed on Monday a memorandum of understanding to buy seven Airbus planes worth about $1.26 billion.

By Issac John

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Published: Tue 19 Nov 2013, 10:31 PM

Last updated: Fri 3 Apr 2015, 4:21 AM

John Leahy and Wisam Al Masri at the Press conference on Monday

The Tripoli-based airline, which is scheduled to start operations for passenger charter and freight by early 2014, said at the Dubai Airshow that the aircraft includes three A350-900 extra-wide-body, or XWB, planes, valued together at around $863 million, and four A320neo single-aisled planes, worth around $400 million.

The A350XWB long-range airliner is scheduled to enter service next year, boasting 764 firm orders from 39 customers so far.

“The A350 XWB and A320neo will play a significant role in ensuring that our new airline operates one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the Middle East region moving forward,” said Wisam Al Masri, chairman of Libyan Wings. “With these fuel-efficient aircraft we will be able to offer passengers the highest levels of comfort on both long-haul and shorter regional routes, while benefitting from the lowest operating costs and best environmental performance.”

“It’s very exciting to see a new airline starting its business with our efficient, latest-generation A320neo and A350 XWB families. This means that the Airbus product line, from single-aisle to wide-body, clearly meets customer requirements in the world’s most competitive and demanding markets like the Middle East,” said John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer for customers. “Whether for short regional services or long intercontinental routes, Airbus has the right products with the lowest operating costs and best in class comfort standards.”

The A350 XWB is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions of which the A350-900, comfortably seating more than 300 passengers. The new family, whose fuselage cross-section is optimised to accommodate Airbus’ 18-inch economy seat-width for long range passenger comfort, will also bring a 25 per cent step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, the A350 XWB to date has already won 764 firm orders from 39 customers worldwide.

The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 family and incorporates new more efficient engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 per cent in fuel savings.

The A320neo, a more fuel-efficient variant of the A320 family, received 2,487 orders by the end of October, compared with 1,609 orders for it competitor 737MAX built by Boeing.

— issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com