Airbus Delivers A320 to Hong Kong Airlines

The aircraft is powered by CFM International's CFM 56 engines and can seat about 152 passengers in two classes. Hong Kong Airlines president Yang Hong said that the delivery of the airline's first A320 and the new all-premium class A330, Hong Kong Airlines will consolidate further its position as a premier full-service carrier.

"The on-board features will ensure that we are able to offer the best possible in-flight experience, while benefitting from the economic efficiency offered by these modern aircraft types," Hong says.

The first A320 aircraft will be operated on the airline's regional network that links Hong Kong with mainland China, as well as destinations in North and South East Asia. The airline has also taken delivery of Airbus's long-range A330-200, which can accommodate 116 passengers and will be deployed for non-stop services to London.

The delivery of the A330-200 increases the carrier's in-service widebody fleet to 10 aircraft, comprising seven A330-200 passenger aircraft and three A330-200F freighters. Airbus Customers CEO John Leahy says the company is pleased to see Hong Kong Airlines become a new A320 operator and also increase its Airbus long-range fleet.

"These modern and fuel-efficient aircraft will offer Hong Kong Airlines the lowest operating costs in both regional and medium-capacity long-haul markets, as well as a level of technical commonality unique to the Airbus product line," Leahy says.

Airbus has received more than 8,300 orders for A320 Family aircraft and has delivered around 5,000 to 340 customers. Airbus has received about 1,200 orders for the A330 Family, which also comprises freighter, VIP and military transport/tanker variants.