TAM Airlines, Brazil’s largest airline has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for 32 eco-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft, comprising 22 A320neo and 10 A320 Family aircraft. The order makes TAM the launch customer for the A320neo in Latin America. Engine selection will be announced by the airline at a later date.

The A320neo, available from 2016, incorporates new more efficient engines and large wing tip devices called Sharklets, which together, deliver significant fuel savings of up to 15 percent, representing up to 3,600 tonnes CO2 annually per aircraft. In addition, the A320neo provides a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and significantly reduced engine noise.

“Our order for industry leading fuel efficient aircraft opens a world of possibilities for TAM, thanks to its substantially increased range capability,” said Líbano Barroso, CEO of TAM Airlines. “Ordering more A320s allows TAM to reduce costs and further improve our environmental performance.”

“The A320neo will fit neatly into TAM Airlines’ fleet, offering maximum benefit for minimum change,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers.  “This enables TAM to take full advantage of Brazil’s expected growth in air travel, especially in light of the upcoming World Cup and Olympic Games, and to do so in the most eco-efficient way possible”.

The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Some 7,000 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and over 4,500 delivered to more than 320 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family.  With 99.7% reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. The A320neo has over 95% airframe commonality with the A320 Family whilst offering up to 500nm (950 km) more range or two tonnes more payload.

Airbus fleet operating in Latin America has doubled in the last five years. With more 550 aircraft sold and a record backlog of more than 250 aircraft to be delivered to its Latin American customers, today nearly 370 Airbus aircraft are flying with 21 Latin American airlines. This represents more than 60 percent of the fleet delivered in the region. 

Source and photo: Airbus