PARIS - Airbus and Middle East Air completed a deal at the Paris Air Show to make the flag carrier of Lebanon the first to order Airbus' A321XLR. The single-aisle long range carrier was first announced today at the world's largest aerospace expo. MEA has signed a firm order for four of the A321XLRs.
The agreement takes Middle East Airlines’ cumulative single aisle orders with Airbus to 15 A321neo family aircraft, including 11 A321neos and 4 A321XLRs with deliveries starting in 2020. MEA will use the A321XLR to strengthen its network in Africa and Asia. Airbus said it will start delivering the newest member of the A320neo family in 2023.
Airbus inked another deal at Paris, this time with Virgin Atlantic, who singed on for 14 A330-900s to replace its A330ceos starting in 2021.
The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new wing with increased span and new A350 XWB-inspired Sharklets.
Brazil's Embraer also made hay at the Paris Air Show as it announced that it has signed a contract with United Airlines for up to 39 E175s. The order comprises 20 firm aircraft and 19 options in a 70-seat configuration. The order has a value of USD 1.9 billion, based on Embraer's current list prices, with all options being exercised. The firm order will be included in Embraer's 2019 second-quarter backlog. Deliveries are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2020. These aircraft will replace older 70-seat aircraft currently operated by United's regional partners.
"With this contract, we have the opportunity to continue serving United's fleet with our class-leading E175 platform," said Charlie Hillis, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, North America, Embraer Commercial Aviation. "Embraer's dedication to finding solutions that meet our customer's needs is the primary reason we continue to outperform in this market segment."
