Sichuan Airlines Takes Delivery of 100th Airbus

Airbus has delivered the 100th aircraft, an A321, to China’s largest all Airbus operator Sichuan Airlines.

Equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices and powered by IAE V2500 engines, the aircraft features a two class cabin, seating 194 passengers (8 business and 186 in economy).

Including the latest delivery Sichuan Airlines’ fleet comprises 93 A320 Family aircraft and 7 A330 Family aircraft.

“We are happy to receive the 100th aircraft from Airbus. The latest addition to our all Airbus fleet will further increase our capacity to satisfy the growing market demand for air traffic in China,” said Li Haiying, Chairman and President of Sichuan Airlines. “We are expanding our route networks not only across China but also to Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. With a 100-strong fleet comprising both Airbus A320 Family and A330 Family aircraft, we are confident to take our passengers to more destinations and offer them a more comfortable flight experience.”

The partnership between Sichuan Airlines and Airbus dates back to 1995 when the airline introduced an A320 to become the first airline to operate an Airbus fly-by-wire aircraft in China’s mainland. It was also the first airline to operate Airbus A321 in China’s mainland. In 2009, the airline received the first A320 assembled at the Airbus Tianjin Final Assembly. In 2010, Sichuan Airlines received its first A330 aircraft.

Based in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in South-Western China, Sichuan Airlines has a network to some 200 domestic destinations including Beijing, Harbin, Hangzhou, Xi’an and Sanya as well as international routes to Asia, Australia, and North America.