The German leisure carrier plans to renew its long-haul roster with the next generation widebody
Frankfurt-based airline Condor has signed an agreement with Airbus to acquire 16 A330neos as part of a fleet modernisation programme.
The operator has agreed to purchase nine examples from the European airframer and lease a further nine jets. Deliveries are expected to begin in autumn next year.
Condor will operate the A330neo on its international long-haul network to the Americas, Africa, the Caribbean and Asia.
The German firm’s intercontinental fleet currently comprises an all-Boeing line-up with 13 757-300s and 15 767-300s.
“Condor excels in operating profitably many routes no other carrier is able to; we are proud to see a demanding airline such as Condor selecting our latest-technology A330neo as the aircraft of choice, building the future of their widebody fleet in the relentless pursuit of lowest operating costs and passenger comfort,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer and head of international. “By operating the A320 and A330neo aircraft side by side, the airline will benefit from all the commonality economics these two premium products offer, with the embedded flexibility to address new and existing markets with the right-sized, right-efficiency aircraft.”
Ralf Teckentrup, Condor CEO, added: “We are proud to be the German launch customer for the A330neo. Thanks to the latest technology and maximum efficiency of the aircraft, we will be taking off with our new plane from Autumn 2022 with fuel consumption of just 2.1 litres per passenger per 100 kilometres. With this value, we are the front-runner in Germany and, as the most popular leisure airline, we will consistently continue to interweave the themes of sustainability and holidays.”
Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo features a new wing with increased span and A350-inspired winglets.
With Condor’s deal, the number of orders for the next-generation jet total 331, of which, 63 have already been delivered.
