By Ashraf Abdul Wahab.
Tripoli, 28 June 2013:
State-owned Libyan Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320-200, becoming the latest operator . . .[restrict]for this type of aircraft.
The new plane, which features 24 business and 235 economy seats, arrived in Tripoli this evening. It will be deployed on Middle East, Asian and European routes.
“We are pleased to welcome Libyan Airlines as a new operator of the A330 family aircraft,” said Airbus’ chief operating officer for customers John Leahy. “Libya has great potential and its fleet is comprised of predominantly Airbus aircraft.”
Leahy said that with the A330-200, Libyan Airlines would benefit from the aircraft’s “low operating costs, proven reliability and great passenger appeal.”
An airport source said that the aircraft had been due for delivery around a month earlier but was delayed due to technical problems. He added that Libyan Airlines were now awaiting delivery of a second A330-200.
French manufacturer Airbus confirmed that the state airline, which already operates seven A320s, has a further three A330s on order.
Libyan Airlines has also ordered four 250-seater Airbus A350-800s. The fuel-efficient A350s, which are due to be delivered in the second half of 2014, promise 25 percent lower operating costs, using the latest technologies and aerodynamics. [/restrict]
