BEIJING -
China Eastern Airlines took delivery of its 100th
Airbus aircraft, an Airbus A320, on October 27,
becoming the first carrier to operate a fleet of
over 100 Airbus aircraft in the entire
Asia-Pacific region.
"Over the past 20
years, we have enjoyed a close relationship with
Airbus and benefited from Airbus' non-stop
innovations in aircraft design [and]
manufacturing. These advantages not only
help
strengthen our operational efficiency, but also
reduce our aircraft maintenance costs, fuel
consumption and pilot training remarkably," said
China Eastern Airlines Chairman Li Fenghua.
"We are very proud and delighted to
deliver the 100th Airbus aircraft to China Eastern
Airlines, thus setting a new significant milestone
in the 20 years of close cooperation between our
two companies," said Gustav Humbert, Airbus
president and chief executive, at the delivery
ceremony held in Shanghai Hongqiao
International Airport. "We admire the pioneering
spirit of China Eastern Airlines and will continue
to provide the most modern aircraft and the best
technical support to ensure the rapid expansion of
its business."
China Eastern took delivery
of its first Airbus, an A310, in June 1985, which
marked the beginning of Airbus' entry into the
Chinese market. By the end of August 2005, China
Eastern had built up the largest Airbus fleet in
China, including aircraft from the A300/310
family, the A320 family and the A340 family. China
Eastern was the first Airbus A319 operator and
first A340-600 operator on the Chinese mainland.
The airline has 20 additional A330-200 and
A330-300 aircraft on order.
The A320, a
single-aisled midsized jet, has become one of the
most successful Airbus products, with more than
160 customers operating the type, including nine
Chinese carriers. By the end of August 2005, over
200 A320 aircraft were in service.
To
date, the Shanghai-based carrier has become one of
the top three Chinese airlines with an extensive
air network connecting Asia, Europe, America and
Australia. Currently, China Eastern operates
nearly 200 aircraft on more than 400 domestic and
international routes. "This coming January, we
will deliver the first A330 aircraft to China
Eastern Airlines, which will help to further
increase its operational flexibility, especially
on international and regional long-haul routes,"
added Gustav Humbert, Airbus president and chief
executive.
Currently, there are over 200
Airbus aircraft in service on the Chinese
mainland, representing a market share of 28%. So
far this year Airbus has received 69 orders from
five Chinese airlines, including five A380s, 30
A330s and 34 A320 aircraft. Four new Chinese
airlines have become Airbus operators, namely
Shenzhen Airlines, Spring Airlines, United Eagle
Airlines and Hainan Airlines. The total number of
Airbus aircraft to be delivered to China is
expected to reach 65 by the end of this year,
hitting a record high.
