Hamburg International orders two additional aircraft

[Airbus]

Hamburg International has signed a new firm order for a further two A319s today while taking delivery of its first A319. The aircraft, powered by CFM-56 engines from CFM International, was handed over to the airline's management team Christoph von Saldern, Norbert Grella and Klaus Schlichtmann at a ceremony held in Hamburg. The aircraft provides a comfortable single-class configuration for 150 passengers. As part of its fleet renewal programme, Hamburg International has ordered 16 A319s in total.

The independent charter airline operates on behalf of renowned tour operators and on an ad-hoc -flight-basis. Furthermore the carrier addresses substantial niche markets such as charters for executives and corporate flight operations. The airline intends to employ the A319s on routes to European cities as well as on dedicated international flights to Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

"This delivery of our first Airbus A319 marks a new phase in the modernisation of our fleet" said Hamburg International Managing Directors Christoph von Saldern, Norbert Grella and Klaus Schlichtmann. "The Airbus A320 Family is for us the ideal mix in terms of performance, reliability, flexibility and great economics while providing our passengers with an attractive and unique travel experience at an affordable price and a good environmental conscience".

"We are sure that the A319's advanced technology and efficiency, as well as its popularity with passengers and crews, and its market-leading environmental characteristics, will greatly contribute to strengthening Hamburg International's market position" said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly by wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range. Over 5,800 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and over 3,300 delivered to more than 200 customers and operators worldwide, making it the worlds best selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. In addition, the latest new cabin design saves on weight and offers the passenger a quieter and roomier experience as well as significantly larger overhead stowage lockers.