Hong Kong airlines signs MOU for 6x A330-200 Rating Options

[drichard]

Posted by airbus here http://www.airbus.com/en/presscentre/press..._A330-200s.html

cut and paste below ...


Hong Kong Airlines to order six A330-200s
4 February 2010

Hong Kong Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for six A330-200 aircraft. The latest commitment will increase the number of A330s ordered by the airline to 23. Hong Kong Airlines intends to use the A330-200s to develop new services to destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as to the Middle East and Europe.

"The A330-200 offers the perfect range and size capability to enable us to expand into new medium and long haul markets," said Yang Jian Hong, President, Hong Kong Airlines. "With these aircraft in our fleet we are aiming to create new standards in comfort and service and to establish our company as a premium brand in new international markets."

"This latest commitment from Hong Kong Airlines underscores once again the popularity of the A330 as the right aircraft right now for quality airlines across the world," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. "The A330 remains the most efficient aircraft in its size category flying today, providing airlines with the ability to maximise profit potential on a wide range of operations."

Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines currently operates a full service network linking Hong Kong with destinations in mainland China and the Asian region. In addition to A330s, the carrier also has 30 single aisle A320 aircraft on firm order for future delivery.

The A330 is one of the most widely used widebody aircraft in service today. To date, Airbus has won more than 1,050 orders for the various versions of the aircraft. More than 660 A330s have already been delivered and the aircraft is currently flying with over 70 airlines worldwide.

[DaveT321]

These appear to be the A330-200s built for but not delivered to Air Comet

http://www.airfinancejournal.com/Article/2...g-Airlines.html

They are to be powered by PW4000 engines (which matches with Air Comet)

http://www.pw.utc.com/Media+Center/Press+R...70+Million+Deal

but does not match with Hong Kong Airlines selection of RR engines less than 12 months ago to power its own order of 20 A330s (later reduced to 17 by the transfer of 3 to Hong Kong International Aviation Leasing)

http://www.rolls-royce.com/civil/news/2009...es_trent700.jsp

Dave