LTU MOVES CLOSER TO ALL-AIRBUS FLEET WITH NEW ORDER FOR A321s

German charter carrier LTU International Airways signed an agreement today for the purchase of two Airbus A321s. This firm order is the latest step in LTU’s extensive fleet modernisation programme, destined to result in an all-Airbus fleet by the end of 2003.

LTU’s newly ordered A321s, alongside six more A320s ordered in 2000, will join the carrier’s two A320s already in operation on medium-haul routes from German airports to holiday destinations in the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. LTU still holds another four options, which would bring the total fleet of A320 Family aircraft to 18. LTU also successfully operates a fleet of six A330s on intercontinental routes from Germany to North America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.

Airbus aircraft provide LTU with high performance levels and operational reliability, unmatched revenue-generating potential, as well as total flexibility to deploy the best-adapted aircraft on medium or long-haul routes, according to the season and demand. Since all Airbus fly-by-wire aircraft share near-identical flight decks, systems and handling characteristics, LTU is also able to derive considerable cost-savings in crew training and aircraft maintenance, since a single group of pilots and maintenance engineers can fly or service any of these types with only a few days of additional training.

The A321 is the largest member of the A320 Family and the first choice for charter carriers all over the world. Boasting the widest cabin in its class, the A320 Family's optimised cabin-cross section offers a new standard for passenger comfort in single-aisle aircraft, allowing for wider seats and aisles, as well as greater overhead stowage. LTU's A321s, scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2003, will accommodate 212 passengers in a superior single-class layout. The new aircraft will be powered by CFM56-5B3/P engines from CFM International.

With some 2700 orders from over 100 customers around the world, the A320 Family is the fastest selling single-aisle aircraft family ever. Some 1,400 A320 Family aircraft are currently in service, delivering value and generating revenue to some 95 operators in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

With over 4,200 orders booked to date from 176 customers worldwide, Airbus is one of only two manufacturers in the market for commercial aircraft seating more than 100 passengers. Offering the most modern and comprehensive airliner family in the world, Airbus consistently captures about half of this market - a position it is well-equipped to maintaining in the future. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is jointly owned by BAE SYSTEMS and EADS.