Well, Airbus left it rather late in the Dubai Air Show to get something for its efforts – but it seems it’s paid off with a Memorandum of Understanding between it and Golden Falcon Aviation. They provide aircraft to Wataniya Airways.
Wataniya Airways Airbus A320neo – Rendering, Airbus.
The MoU is for 25 Airbus A320neo aircraft.
Currently, Wataniya Airways has two aircraft in its fleet (both Airbus A320ceo), serving destinations in the Middle East and Europe out of its base of Kuwait International Airport.
The airline resumed operations in 2017 after a several year break (which makes for interesting reading).
Onto the quotes with Wataniya Chairman Ali Al Fouzan stating:
“We are looking forward to upgrading and further enhancing our fleet. The A320neo Family will offer our customers the most comfortable and modern cabins with 18-inch wide seats whilst ensuring profitability and efficiency. The addition of the aircraft will enable us to further strengthen our network as we continue to serve our valued customers”.
Meanwhile John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft states:
“This new order of 25 A320neo Family aircraft demonstrates the confidence in our leading single-aisle aircraft,’’
“Its operational efficiency and unrivalled passenger comfort make it the perfect choice for Wataniya fleet expansion and growth plans.
Whilst the Dubai Air Show isn’t that rich of a feeding ground for airframers, it has been very quiet for Airbus this airshow – where as Boeing has been raking it in.
I suspect at Airbus HQ there will be a lot of soul-searching in regards to the A380 and how they couldn’t get Emirates to sign on the dotted line, and what they need to do to keep the customer. The rejection of the A350 over the Boeing 787-10 must had hurt too.
Certainly, Airbus have got their homework cut out after what must be a disappointing air show for them.
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