Air France–KLM Group confirmed it is buying 60 Airbus A220-300 aircraft as part of a fleet-modernization program, a purchase that could be worth up to $5.5 billion if all the options and purchase rights are exercised for 60 additional jets.
The aircraft will be operated by Air France, replacing the carrier's current fleet of Airbus A318 and A319 single-aisle aircraft.
The A220 is a narrow-body aircraft developed by Bombardier Inc. as the C-Series for 100- to 150-passenger routes. Since 2018 it has been manufactured by the C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP), of which Airbus is the controlling partner (50.01%.) It is an example of the commercial aircraft “mid-market” aircraft that is much in demand for budget airlines and regional or commuter aircraft.
Both models of the aircraft (A220-100, A220-300) are A220 jets are powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofan engines, which along with the aircraft aerodynamics and advanced lightweight materials offer “at least 20% lower fuel-burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft,” according to Airbus.
The aircraft are assembled at Mirabel, Quebec, and Mobile, Ala. In November Airbus celebrated the completion of the 100th A220 aircraft since it absorbed the program last year. Airbus has logged nearly 600 orders for the A220 to date.
“We are glad to see that Air France is endorsing the A220 as a great step towards fleet optimization for large network carriers," according Airbus chief commercial officer Christian Scherer. "The modern and fuel-efficient Airbus A220 will contribute to lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions significantly compared to older generation aircraft.”
