ROYAL AIR MAROC BECOMES A NEW AIRBUS CUSTOMER WITH AN ORDER FOR A321S

Royal Air Maroc has signed a firm order with Airbus for four single-aisle A321s, on the occasion of a ceremony which was held today at the Le Bourget Airshow. The Moroccan national carrier, who confirmed a commitment announced in February, is now joining the European manufacturer’s worldwide customer base of some 200 customers and operators.

Royal Air Maroc, who will receive its first Airbus aircraft in the last quarter of 2003, plans to operate its future A321 fleet on medium-haul trunk routes.

The A321, the largest member of Airbus’ highly successful A320 Family, is the preferred aircraft of airlines having a strong customer base of tourist travellers. In the spacious two-class layout selected by Royal Air Maroc, the A321 will seat 175 passengers. It can also feature 220 seats for charter operations.

The A320 Family aircraft, i.e. the A318, A319, A320 and A321, which offer the widest fuselage cross-section in their class, have set new standards in airliner comfort on the single-aisle market. Their state-of-the-art technology, based on Airbus’ unique commonality concept, together with their low fuel burn and operational efficiency, provide an unbeatable combination of economy and comfort.

"We look forward to introducing the A321 on our medium-haul route network. The high standards of comfort, efficiency and performance of the A321 make it the ideal tool to cope with future traffic growth in Morocco. This growth is in line with the deliberate policy of national economic development based in particular on the promotion of tourism", said Mohamed Hassad, Royal Air Maroc CEO.

Noël Forgeard, Airbus CEO, said: "The long and mutually beneficial partnership which is beginning today between Royal Air Maroc and Airbus is a source of great pride for us. It confirms the value and success of our aircraft worldwide. We will do our utmost to ensure that our aircraft fully meet the expectations of this new prestigious customer. Over and above the major industrial subcontracting participation generated by the Airbus programme in Morocco for several years now, we are delighted to bring our additional contribution to the Kingdom's economic growth objectives".

To-date, the best-selling A320 Family has attracted more than 2,700 firm orders from 106 customers. Almost 1,500 single-aisle Airbus aircraft are flying with 94 operators worldwide. In the North Africa/Middle-East region, Airbus aircraft form the backbone of the major airlines' fleet modernisation programme.

With some 4 300 orders booked to date thanks to the most modern and comprehensive airliner family in the world, Airbus is the joint number one manufacturer in the market for commercial aircraft seating more than 100 passengers. Headquartered in Toulouse, Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE SYSTEMS.