Libyan Airlines Significantly Expands Future Fleet

Tripoli, Libya-based Libyan Airlines has recently announced in a press release that intend to purchase fifteen new aircraft. Libyan Airlines has made it known that the aircraft will be used to replace currently aging aircraft as well as expand to more destinations. The purchase is for four A350-800 Xtra-Wide-Body (XWB) aircraft, Airbus Industries' newest aircraft, four A330-200 wide body aircraft, and seven A320 series narrow body aircraft.

Tarek Arebi, Chairman and CEO of Libyan Airlines, was present at the recent announcement, and had the following to say. "We are very happy to confirm the purchase by Libyan Airlines of new Airbus aircraft to upgrade and expand our fleet to respond to growing demand and a major expansion of Libyan aviation. different types of Airbus aircraft will allow us to fully benefit from the commonality between the aircraft and the cost efficiencies that this represents. This also means that we will have one of the most modern and youngest fleet in the region offering the best comfort to our passengers."

Airbus Chief Operating Officer Fabrice Bregier also spoke at the press conference. She was very pleased to receive two orders from airlines in Libya in the same day, and had the following to say. "We value the confidence that Libyan Airlines places in Airbus by replacing and expanding their fleet with A320s, A330s and A350 XWBs. Libyan traffic growth is expected to grow significantly and having a modern and cost efficient fleet will allow Libyan Airlines to fully take advantage of that potential. This Agreement also includes the upgrade of Libyan Airlines' extensive maintenance and engineering capabilities to the most up-to-date international standards. We look forward to starting this great challenge together with Libyan Airlines."

About Libyan Airlines: Libyan Airlines is the national airline of Libya. Founded in 1965, Libyan Airlines has faced a tough history of operations. Being from Libya, after the Pan Am 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, the airline was prohibited from operating outside of Libya for years, due to sanctions set upon Libya from the UN. Today, the airline has re-established itself as one of the prime airlines for travel to Northern Africa. Operating from hubs in Tripoli and Bennina, the airline serves twenty-six destinations throughout Africa, Asia and Europe. Today, the airline operates seventeen aircraft, but will expand to up to thirty; depending on how many aircraft the airline decides to retire.

About the ordered aircraft: The Airbus series of aircraft comprises of the A318, A319, A320 and A321. All feature common flight controls, cabins, engines, and many other features which allows for pilots to fly any of the aircraft in the series with one rating. The A320 was the model purchased by Libyan Airlines, and will allow the airline to seat up to 180 passengers, but typically seats around 150, and can fly over 5,000 miles. The Airbus A330-200 is the currently the smallest member of the Airbus wide body family of aircraft. The A330-200 can carry as many as 293 passengers, but typically carries around 250, allowing for first class service. The aircraft is designed to allow for flights of nearly 7,000 nautical miles to be flown with a full aircraft, which will allow the airline to expand flights to East Asia and the Americas. The A350-800XWB is a totally new age plane, which is shown in its construction. Made partially of aluminum and partially of carbon fiber, the A350 will offer lower operating costs than the A330 it is designed to replace. The A350-800XWB will seat 270 passengers in a three class configuration, and 312 in a two class. The aircraft is designed to operate routes up to 8,300 nautical miles.