Air Namibia, the Windhoek based national airline of the Republic of Namibia, has taken delivery of its first A330-200 from Airbus at a ceremony in Toulouse, France. The aircraft is the first of two A330s being leased by Air Namibia from US lessor Intrepid. The airline’s A330 features a two-class cabin layout seating 244 passengers which comprises 30 business class seats and 214 economy class seats.

Air Namibia started commercial services with its first Airbus aircraft in 2006 with an A340-300. The airline currently operates four A319s on regional routes, as well as two A340-300s on its flagship service from Windhoek to Frankfurt.

‘’The high efficiency and low operating costs of the A330 makes it a perfect fit into our fleet. With an aircraft we know to be both reliable and comfortable it will offer the best flight experience to our passengers.“ said Ms Theopoltina M. Namases, Managing Director of Air Namibia.

“We are delighted to welcome Air Namibia as a new A330 operator,” said John Leahy Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The airline will benefit from unparalleled fuel efficiency and reliability and the passengers from the most comfortable cabin in its class. The unique fleet commonality between Airbus aircraft families allows the A330 to fit seamlessly into Air Namibia’s existing fleet.’’

The A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, and includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,250 orders, with over 1000 aircraft flying with close to 100 operators worldwide. The A330 is one of the world’s most efficient aircraft with best in class operating economics. With numerous ongoing product improvements, it still remains the most cost-efficient and capable aircraft, averaging dispatch reliability well above 99 percent.