Biggest Airbus operator in Southern Hemisphere adds most eco-efficient aircraft to its fleet

20 October 2011

TAM Airlines, Brazil’s largest airline has finalized a purchase agreement for 32 eco-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft, comprising of 22 A320neo and 10 A320 Family aircraft. The order follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed last February. Engine selection will be announced by the airline at a later date.

“Fuel efficient aircraft are key to our fuel conservation program and to our contribution to the industry’s CO2 emissions reduction,” said José Zaidan Maluf, Contracts and Supply Vice President of TAM Airlines. “As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our operational efficiency, these new A320s will allow us to keep a young fleet, reduce costs and further improve our environmental performance.”

“We are very proud that our long-time customer and one of the largest A320 Family operators will be among the first customers to benefit from the A320neo’s increased capabilities, including a 15 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions”, said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “With more than 1,200 commitments in less than a year, the A320neo has proven to be a phenomenon for the short -to medium-haul segment that is not only good for business, but also for the environment.”

To date, TAM has ordered over 200 Airbus aircraft, including 27 A350-900, and operates nearly 150 Airbus aircraft to 43 destinations within Brazil and 18 destinations throughout Europe, the United States and South America. The airline, which turned 35 this year, is among the largest A320 Family operators, with 125 in total, including 30 A319s, 86 A320s and nine A321s

Over 7,900 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and more than 4,800 delivered to some 340 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

The A320neo is a new engine option for the A320 Family entering into service from 2015 and incorporates latest generation engines and large “Sharklet” wing tip devices, which together will deliver 15 percent in fuel savings. The reduction in fuel burn is equivalent to 1.4 million litres of fuel – the consumption of 1,000 mid size cars, saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft per year. The A320neo NOx emissions are 50% below CAEP/6, while this aircraft also has considerably a smaller noise footprint.

Source and image: Airbus