Air Deccan of India orders 30 Airbus Aircraft

India’s first low-cost airline, Air Deccan, is to grow its fleet by acquiring a further 30 Airbus A320s. Deliveries of the aircraft are due to begin in 2007.

Air Deccan became the first private operator in India to fly Airbus aircraft in July this year, when it received the first of five leased A320s. It currently flies three leased Airbus A320s on services among Indian cities. Two more leased A320s plus two ordered A320s are due to join its fleet in February and September 2005, respectively.

All of the aircraft will seat 180 passengers in an all-economy layout.

“With our low-cost approach and the modern and efficient Airbus A320, we have shown that we can offer airfares comparable to the cost of rail-travel, opening up a new market in India,” says Air Deccan Managing Director Captain G.R. Gopinath. “We now plan to expand our Airbus A320 fleet to bring affordable travel to even more people, with aircraft with the widest seats and most spacious cabins in their class.”

“Bangalore-based Air Deccan is one of a growing number of low-cost carriers that prefer what the Airbus A320 Family has to offer,” said Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer Noël Forgeard. “We look forward to being Air Deccan’s partner as it stimulates and grows the important Indian market.”

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