Qingdao Airlines Orders 23 Airbus Aircraft

Qingdao Airlines, a newly established airline based in the Eastern Chinese coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong Province, has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for a total of 23 A320 Family aircraft, including five A320ceo and 18 A320neo.

The deal is subject to approval from China’s central government, and first delivery is expected to begin in 2016.

The airline will start operation in 2014 with leased A320 aircraft.

“As a newly established airline, we need to have a thorough research before we make a decision on what aircraft to introduce to start operation and build up our brand new fleet. We pay much attention to the reliability, economics and cabin comfort of the aircraft and also take the potential for our further fleet expansion into consideration. We believe the Airbus A320 Family aircraft are the right choice,” said Xiao Liyuan, President of Qingdao Airlines.

The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 Family and incorporates new more efficient engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which Airbus says will together deliver up to 15% in fuel savings.

At the end of August 2013, firm orders for the NEO stood at 2,348 from 42 customers, making it the fastest selling commercial airliner ever and underlining its market leadership position.