Singapore Airlines has added a new Airbus type to its fleet with the delivery of its first A330-300. Acquired under a lease agreement with Dublin-based AWAS, the aircraft was handed over to the airline at a ceremony in Toulouse today attended by Mak Swee Wah, Executive Vice President Operations and Services, Singapore Airlines, Frank Pray, President and Chief Executive Officer of AWAS and Tom Enders, President and Chief Executive Officer, Airbus.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, the A330 fleet will be operated by the carrier on regional and medium haul routes, initially linking Singapore with destinations in Australia and Japan. The airline is configuring its A330s in a high comfort layout seating 285 passengers in two classes, with accommodation for 30 in Business Class and 255 in Economy.

The A330 joins an existing Airbus fleet at Singapore Airlines that includes the double deck A380 and the ultra-long haul A340-500. The carrier has also selected the all-new A350 to meet future requirements in the mid-size widebody category, with the delivery of 20 aircraft on firm order due to begin in 2013.

“The delivery of the A330s continues the ongoing process of renewal of our fleet,” said Mak Swee Wah. “These aircraft also help fill capacity gaps in the regional and medium haul fleet prior to the delivery of the next generation of wide-body airplanes, such as the A350, in future years.”

“The delivery of these new aircraft also provides us the opportunity to enhance our product offering to customers on regional and medium haul routes. This reaffirms our commitment to constant innovation of the products and services we offer to customers, tailored around their needs on particular flights.”

Frank Pray, President & Chief Executive Officer at AWAS said: “This is the first of six A330 aircraft that AWAS will deliver to Singapore Airlines over the next year. This significant delivery marks the beginning of our goal to further diversify our aircraft portfolio and broaden the appeal to our airline customers. We are delighted to add Singapore Airlines, a premium global carrier, to our list of valued customers.

“This delivery marks another milestone in the long partnership between Singapore Airlines and Airbus,” said Tom Enders. “With the super-efficient A330 in its fleet the airline will be able to take full advantage of the aircraft’s proven passenger appeal and low operating costs, while also benefiting from its high level of commonality with the A380 and A340.”

Tom Enders added: “Today’s delivery also strengthens our relationship with AWAS, whose confidence in the A330 underscores the attractiveness of the aircraft within the financial community as a strong asset offering excellent returns on investment and high residual values.”

Source: EADS