Airbus has confirmed that Air Côte d’Ivoire, the national airline of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, has signed a firm order for two A330neo aircraft to support its growth strategy. The airline had hinted of this order in a tweet posted last week.
The agreement was announced at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, in the presence of Amadou Koné, Minister of Transport of Côte d’Ivoire, Laurent Loukou, CEO of Air Côte d’Ivoire, General Abdoulaye Coulibaly, President of Air Côte d’Ivoire Board and Philippe Mhun, Airbus Executive Vice President Programmes and Services.
Air Côte d’Ivoire currently operates a fleet of ten aircraft (three A319s, two A320s, one A320neo, and four DHC-8 Q400s). The initial single-aisle order announced in 2016 by Air Côte d’Ivoire was for two A320neos and two A320s. It switched to the A319neo in early 2019, but the two copies no longer appear in Airbus listings.
The A330neo is the new generation version of the popular A330 widebody. Incorporating the latest generation engines, a new wing, and a range of aerodynamic innovations, the aircraft offers a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The A330-900 is capable of flying 7,200nm / 13,300km non-stop. Operating the A330neo side by side with its Airbus Single Aisle fleet will enable Air Côte d’Ivoire to benefit from huge operational savings and more flexibility generated by Airbus’ unique commonality among its aircraft Family members.
The aircraft features the award-winning Airspace cabin, providing passengers with a new level of comfort, ambiance, and design. This includes offering more personal space, larger overhead bins, a new lighting system, and the ability to offer the latest in-flight entertainment systems and full connectivity. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330neo also features a state-of-the-art cabin air system ensuring a clean and safe environment during the flight.
The operation of the A330neo alongside its fleet of Airbus single-aisle aircraft “will allow Air Côte d’Ivoire to benefit from huge operational savings and greater flexibility generated by Airbus’ unique commonality between the members of its aircraft family,” concludes the aircraft manufacturer.
Uganda Airlines is the other African carrier operating the A330neo which operates the A330-800 with 20 full-flat, business-class beds, 28 premium-economy seats, and 210 economy-class seats, totaling 258 seats.
According to Airbus, as of the end of September 2022, the A330neo has received 275 firm orders from over 20 customers worldwide.
