Slovenia’s flag carrier, Adria Airways has taken delivery of its first new A319. The aircraft was handed over from the Airbus delivery centre in Hamburg, Germany. Operated under a lease agreement with AerCap, the new A319 will be deployed on European scheduled services from Ljubljana.

The new A319 will be powered by IAE V2500 engines from International Aero Engines and will benefit from the latest aircraft design and technological improvements contributing to better fuel and emission efficiency. In terms of cabin configuration, the airline has chosen a spacious two class cabin layout for 135 passengers, offering even more comfort with the new state of the art cabin interior.

The airline will receive one more A319, leased through AerCap, to join its existing fleet. In 1983, the airline was one of the launch customers for the A320 model. A few years later in 1989, the first International Aero Engines V2500s powered Airbus A320 was delivered to Adria Airways making them the first airline to operate this engine type on an A320. In 1990, an Adria Airways A320 flew non-stop from the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean to Athens in Greece setting a new record for the longest flight ever made by the A320 at that time.

“We are very happy to welcome this new eco-efficient aircraft to our fleet and we look forward to receiving the upcoming A319’s to continue our fleet renewal” said Tadej Tufek, M.Sc. President of the Management Board & CEO, of Adria Airways.”

“We are very grateful for the long lasting friendship existing between Adria Airways and Airbus, which dates from the launch of the A320 programme in the eighties. Today, with this new aircraft Adria Airways demonstrates its loyalty and confidence in Airbus. Together we are opening a new chapter in our shared history“ said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers.”

The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. More than 6,500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold to more than 300 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s 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.

Source: Airbus
Picture: Rob Vogelaar, ZAP16 Group