EVA AIR TO BECOME NEW AIRBUS OPERATOR WITH A330 ORDER

EVA Air of Taiwan is set to become a new operator of Airbus aircraft having firmed up commitments announced in January 2001 for the acquisition of eight A330-200 wide-body aircraft. The contract with Airbus covers a firm order for two aircraft with a further six aircraft being acquired under a lease agreement with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS).

Deliveries of the aircraft will begin in early 2003 and continue through to 2005. The A330-200s, offering increased cabin comfort, cargo capacity and lower operating costs, will replace eight older generation 767s, currently in service on regional and medium-to-long range routes.

EVA Air has selected General Electric CF6-80E1A3 engines to power the twin-engine A330-200s.

Each of EVA Air’s 261-seat A330-200s will feature a two-class layout comprising 30 business class seats and 231 seats in economy class.

“Offering the highest levels of in-flight comfort, the A330-200 will enable EVA Air to continue to build on its reputation for world class service," said Tony Su, Executive Vice President, Corporate Planning Division, EVA Air. "In addition, the low operating costs of this ultra-modern aircraft will allow us to fully maximise our revenue-generating potential."

"Within a relatively short time, EVA Air has established a reputation as a world class airline," said Noël Forgeard, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. "We are confident that the A330-200 will play an important role in the continued development of the airline and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership between our two companies."

EVA Air’s selection of the A330-200 further underscores the success of the aircraft as the preferred choice of airlines worldwide in the 250-seat (three-class configuration) segment. The A330-200 combines some of the lowest operating costs of any aircraft ever designed with maximum flexibility over medium to long-haul routes.

This latest order from EVA Air reinforces the market leading position of the A330/A340 family, with 687 total orders from 58 customers today. The family has been especially successful in the Asia-Pacific, where it has been selected by 18 airlines, including almost every major international carrier in the region.

Airbus is jointly owned by BAE SYSTEMS with 20 per cent and by EADS with 80 per cent.