Air New Zealand orders Airbus A320s

Air

has ordered 14 Airbus A320 aircraft to replace its existing domestic fleet of 15 Boeing 737-300s.

The carrier has also placed purchase options for a further 11 A320 aircraft, including the possibility of selecting the larger A321.

The A320, powered by IAE engines, will enable Air New Zealand to increase capacity on routes that are starting to face capacity constraints at certain airports during peak times.

‘Our 12 Airbus A320s already deployed on short-haul international routes are performing well and moving to one single-aisle aircraft type for both domestic and short-haul international routes will immediately deliver added efficiencies in maintenance, crew training and overall fleet simplification,' said Bruce Parton, Air New Zealand general manager, short-haul airline.

According to Airbus, more than 6,400 A320 aircraft have been sold to more than 300 customers and operators worldwide.