Airbus Beats Boeing for Air Austral Deal
- Air Austral has announced plans to add two Airbus A320neo aircraft to its fleet, bolstering its capacity on regional routes.
- The first A320neo is slated for delivery in March 2027, followed by the second in May 2027.
- alongside this short-haul expansion, Air austral is also evaluating the future of its long-haul fleet.
Air Austral too Expand Short-Haul Fleet with airbus A320neos
Airline Adds Two A320neos to Regional Network
Air Austral has announced plans to add two Airbus A320neo aircraft to its fleet, bolstering its capacity on regional routes. The airline will lease the jets from Macquarie Air Finance, as indicated by a signed letter of intent, with a final contract expected in the coming weeks. According to AeroTelegraph, the decision was driven by the A320neoS suitability for the airline’s regional route network and its availability.
The first A320neo is slated for delivery in March 2027, followed by the second in May 2027. Air Austral CEO, Marchessaux, stated, “With the A320 Neo, we are receiving an aircraft that is known for its reliability and whose capacity and performance are perfectly tailored to our route network,” as reported by AeroTelegraph.
Long-Haul Fleet Under Review
alongside this short-haul expansion, Air austral is also evaluating the future of its long-haul fleet. Currently, the airline operates five Boeing aircraft for long-haul routes: two Boeing 787s and three Boeing 777s. The airline is examining options for expanding this fleet by 2030, according to AeroTelegraph.
This review suggests a potential shift in Air Austral’s long-haul strategy, though no specific plans have been announced. The airline’s current long-haul fleet consists of:
- Two Boeing 787 Dreamliners
- Three Boeing 777s