MEA signs purchase of ten new Airbus aircraft

National flag carrier plans more destinations

National flag carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) signed on Wednesday (December 9) a final agreement with leading aircraft manufacturer Airbus to acquire 10 planes for around $1 billion to boost its fleet.

The new additions to the fleet, five A321neo and five A320neo aircraft – with options on eight additional planes – are part of MEA’s expansion plan to reach more destinations. MEA will also rent an additional plane from Airbus in September.

The new aircraft incorporate latest-generation engines and large ‘Sharklet’ wing-tip devices, which would save up to 15 percent in fuel costs. This would also reduce CO2 emissions.

The deal had initially been announced at the Farnborough airshow in the UK in July 2012. The A320neo planes are due to begin flying in 2015.

A statement by Airbus said that MEA operates one of the most modern fleets in the region with four A330-200s, four A321s and 10 A320s. Two planes are currently up for sale, as part of MEA’s policy not to operate any aircraft for more than ten to 12 years.