Enlarge image
An A321 neo in the sky: Airbus sells 100 aircraft to Air France-KLM alone
Photo: PASCAL ROSSIGNOL / REUTERS
With the delivery of the last A380 to Emirates, a misunderstanding ended for Airbus. In other business areas, however, things are going much better for the European aircraft manufacturer: The French-Dutch airline Air France-KLM has placed an order for 100 jets with Airbus. The deal includes 100 medium-haul A320neo and A321neo jets, as the airline announced in Paris. The first machines should come in the second half of 2023.
Air France-KLM intends to use the jets to renew the fleets of KLM and Transavia in the Netherlands.
The fleet of Transavia France will also be brought up to date and expanded.
In addition to the firm order, the airline has agreed a purchase option for 60 more aircraft.
In addition, the group plans to buy four Airbus A350F cargo planes for Air France.
The company signed a letter of intent that also includes purchase rights for four other machines in the range.
French Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari called the deal the largest order in Air France-KLM's history.
The airline is currently still using short-haul aircraft from Boeing.
Biggest winner in the Dax
The deal between Air France-KLM and Airbus is not the only setback for Boeing: Qantas had previously ordered 20 aircraft from its European arch-rival, the A321XLR and the A220-300, and also secured purchase options for 94 additional aircraft.
"That is a clear sign of our confidence," said Qantas boss Alan Joyce.
As with Air France-KLM, Airbus will also replace the current Beoing fleet at Qantas.
Airbus was also the biggest winner in the Dax with a plus of 2.8 percent.
In addition, there was a positive analyst study by Credit Suisse, which sees freight demand as a price driver that should allay possible worries with a view to wide-body aircraft.
hba / dpa / Reuters
