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BY OUR AVIATION CORRESPONDENT
19 June, 2005, Paris: Airbus A340-600 is going places. A private non-governmental business group of Saudi Arabia has bought an Airbus A340-600, becoming the first VIP client for the ultra-long range aircraft, which is also the world’s longest airliner.
Both Airbus aircraft will be operated by the Jeddah-based National Air Services (NAS), which already operates a fleet of VIP A320 Family aircraft.
Delivery of the “green” aircraft, ahead of cabin outfitting, is planned for end-2006. The choice of outfitter has yet to be announced.
The company already operates five Airbus single-aisle aircraft including three Airbus Corporate Jetliners and two A320s, which are used as VIP shuttle aircraft. President and CEO Mohammed H. Al Zeer said: “For our VIP shuttle aircraft, we found Airbus to be the best choice in terms of cabin size, comfort and reliability. “Our customers are impressed with the interior of the aircraft, its technology the ambience of the cabin which is big and welcoming. They love the different features of the cabin which they have not seen on other aircraft up to now.”
The company plans to operate the A340-600 in a super luxurious configuration to carry 100 passengers.
“This aircraft will be unique in the world. It will be extremely exciting,” said Mohammed H. Al Zeer. “We are aiming at the very high end of the charter market. Thanks to the range of this aircraft, you can go non-stop for a very long time and because of the cabin comfort, you will not even feel you are flying.”
”While our biggest market is for aircraft such as the Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ), there is a need for larger VIP aircraft, as the Saudi Arabian commitment demonstrates,” says Airbus Vice President Private and Executive Aviation Richard Gaona. “And whether a customer wants an Airbus ACJ or a larger one, we have the dedication and expertise to supply it.”
BY OUR AVIATION CORRESPONDENT
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