FAX ups A330 order to 15
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
TheFly Asian Express order calls for five more of the long-range widebodies thanthe original MoU. The move reflects the world’s newest long-haul budgetcarrier’s commitment to the aircraft as it gears up for its September launch.
Thefirst of the planes, packed with 396 seats, will be delivered in 3Q2008. “We even looked if we could put seats in the belly,”Fernandes said.The plane usually carries 295. “We’re very much of anLCC,”
Toprove his point, Fernandes said FAX was considering KL-Manchester service witha pocket-pleasing price of US$20 return for what should cost US$300. “I just have to hope passengers buy a lot of food.”
Thepopular and sturdy A330 offers route flexibility, very low cost-per-seatnumbers and a comfortable cabin. With a range of 10,500 km, the A330-300 seemssuited for FAX’ regional aspirations.
Fernandes defended the purchase, stating, “I knowpeople are sceptical about this product, but they were also sceptical when welaunched AirAsia five years ago. Now we operate 55 aircraft and have 150aircraft on order.”
He suggested another order would be coming soon,and it could include extended-range A350 XWBs. “We are a firm believer in theA350 product, (but) we believe that the A330 has lots of legs left. It’s a hardaircraft to beat on the sector length we will be flying
Comments are closed.