Middle East Airlines (MEA) places order with Airbus for six A321s

Middle East Airlines (MEA) of the Lebanon has placed an order with Airbus for six A321s, becoming a new customer for the type. The order confirms an announcement by the airline earlier this year, when it said that it would acquire A321s as part of a fleet modernisation that is the last part of its re-structuring plan.

MEA will take delivery of five A321s between January and May 2003, and a sixth in early 2004. The aircraft will be powered by International Aero Engines V2533s, which feature quietness that meets tough new Stage 4 noise standards.

MEA's A321s feature luxurious seating for 31 passengers in business class and 118 in economy, with personal TVs for everyone.

MEA already flies an all-Airbus fleet comprising A320s and A321s, as well as A300s and A310s, on non-stop routes to Europe - as well as within the Middle East and to Africa.

The newly ordered A321s replace leased A320s, A321s and A310s in the MEA fleet. They will be complemented by three leased A330-200s, all of which will be delivered in the second quarter of 2003, which will replace leased A300s and A310s.

The best-selling Airbus A320 family is in widespread service around the world with some 120 customers and operators, including several airlines within the Middle East. It is the consistent winner in independent surveys of airline and passenger surveys.

Passengers love the A320 family's more spacious cabin and greater comfort, which includes wider seats in economy, while its modern design and attractive economics make it a firm favourite with airlines and financiers.

Firm orders for the A320 family now approach 3,000 aircraft, of which 1,800 have already been delivered.

A leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive product line on the market, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., China and Japan. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE SYSTEMS.