BMED buys Airbus A321s

UK carrier BMED has recently placed a firm order with Airbus for seven A321s, with the first delivery scheduled for January 2006. The order, worth about $525 million at list prices, is the first that the airline, which is a franchise partner of British Airways, has placed directly with Airbus.

BMED has been an Airbus operator since its inception in 1994, and currently operates three Airbus A320s and three A321s with a further A320 due to be delivered in May. BMED, based at London Heathrow Airport, serves fifteen destinations across the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa and includes some of the longest A321 sectors in the world.

“We are delighted to be increasing the BMED fleet in support of our growth plans which will see the business double in size over the next five years. said BMED Acting CEO Angus Saunders.

BMED’s A321s will seat 149 passengers offering 31 seats in Club World and 118 seats in World Traveller and will be powered by International Aero Engines V2500s.

Firm orders for the Airbus A320 family stand at almost 3,400 aircraft. Over 2,300 have been delivered.