Dubai Air Show: Yemenia signs $700M A320 deal

Yemen official carrier Yemenia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for ten Airbus A320 aircraft worth $700 million.

The agreement is expected to be turned into firm orders within 30 days, said John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer – customers.

The new aircraft will help the airline deliver on “ambitious plans” to expand its network in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, said Saleh Alawaji, a member of the Yemenia board of directors.

“Our long-term strategy is to grow with an integrated fleet of super-efficient and reliable aircraft. The A320 shares operational and maintenance commonality with our existing Airbus aircraft and will bring added efficiencies.

“These ten aircraft will help us live up to our role as a major catalyst to help drive the economy of Yemen. We have ambitious plans with new routes to African capitals and well as India.”

The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2011, although Leahy said that the availability of the delivery slots in that year was not due to cancellations or delays by other airlines. “We try to keep production flat and I have a few slots available in 2011.”