16:48 - 6.04.2023

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April 6, Fineko/abc.az. Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has placed an order for 12 Airbus aircrafts of A320neo family, including A320neo and A321neo planes.

ABC.AZ reports that the contract signing ceremony took place in Baku on 6 April.

The new aircrafts are part of AZAL's fleet renewal strategy, aimed at operating modern, economical aircraft to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the airline. It is also aimed at providing the high level of comfort for passengers on all aircrafts of its fleet. The choice of engines will be made by the airline at a later stage.

"We are pleased to continue mutually beneficial cooperation with Airbus on the modernization program of our fleet and intend to strengthen the bilateral partnership. The signed contract will provide passengers with flights on the most modern and comfortable narrow–body aircrafts," AZAL first vice president Samir Rzayev said.

"This order is an important event in the productive cooperation between Airbus and Azerbaijan Airlines," said Christian Scherer, commercial director and head of the International Department of Airbus. “The A320neo family remains the best choice for airlines looking for cost-effective solutions for their fleet. This order is a certificate of customer confidence in the performance and reliability of A320neo aircraft. We are confident that this decision contributes to the sustainable growth of Azerbaijan Airlines in the long-term prospect."

Currently, the AZAL fleet includes 14 Airbus aircrafts – 4 A319ceo aircrafts, 6 A320ceo aircrafts, 2 A340 aircrafts and, since the beginning of the year, 3 new-generation A320neo aircrafts.

The airline plans to use efficient A320neo family aircraft to develop its domestic and international route network.

The A320neo aircrafts are equipped with the latest technologies, such as enlarged wingtips Sharklets and new generation engines, which provide a reduction in CO2 emissions and at least 20% fuel economy.

The A320neo family is the most popular in the world, with more than 8,700 orders from 135 customers.