Libyan Wings orders three A350 XWBs and four A320neo’s

Newly launched airline chooses Airbus

Libyan Wings, the newly launched Tripoli based airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for three A350-900s and four A320neo’s. The carrier is building up its fleet with aircraft orders announced at the 2013 Dubai Airshow. Libyan Wings will start operations for passenger charter and freight from the beginning of 2014.

“The A350 XWB and A320neo will play a significant role in ensuring that our new airline operates one of the most modern and efficient fleets in the Middle East region moving forward,” said Wisam Al Masri, Chairman of Libyan Wings. "With these fuel-efficient aircraft we will be able to offer passengers the highest levels of comfort on both long haul and shorter regional routes, while benefitting from the lowest operating costs and best environmental performance."

"It’s very exciting to see a new airline starting its business today with our efficient, latest generation A320neo and A350 XWB Families. This means that the Airbus product line, from single aisle to widebody clearly meets customer requirements in the world’s most competitive and demanding markets like the Middle East," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. "Whether for short regional services or long intercontinental routes, Airbus has the right products with the lowest operating costs and best in class comfort standards."

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is an all-new mid-size long range product line comprising three versions of which the A350-900, comfortably seating more than 300 passengers. The new Family, whose fuselage cross-section is optimized to accommodate Airbus’ 18-inch economy seat-width for long range passenger comfort, will also bring a 25 percent step change in efficiency compared with existing aircraft in this size category. Scheduled for entry-into-service in 2014, the A350 XWB to date has already won 764 firm orders from 39 customers worldwide.

The A320neo is offered as an option for the A320 Family and incorporates new more efficient engines and large "Sharklet" wing tip devices, which together will deliver up to 15 percent in fuel savings. At the end of October 2013, firm orders for the NEO stood at 2,487 from 44 customers, making it the fastest selling commercial airliner ever and underlining its market leadership position