Airbus has landed its first order for the A380 from Japan, confirming the much- speculated deal from Skymark Airlines for four aircraft.
The Tokyo Haneda-based domestic operator, which is Japan’s third largest airline, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for four A380s. Skymark will begin receiving its A380s in 2014 and use the aircraft for new long-haul routes to major destinations from Tokyo. It has not revealed its engine selection or cabin arrangements.
“This is a historic milestone for Airbus and a breakthrough in this important market,” says Airbus chief operating officer customers John Leahy.
It has been a long-term ambition of Airbus to break into the Japanese market, where rival Boeing has held a stranglehold for many years. The country’s two major international airlines, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways which have both been major Boeing 747 operators, have been longstanding targets for the A380 marketers.
While the A380 move will be a major step-up for Skymark with its current fleet of 15 Boeing 737s, Airbus still regards the deal as a major breakthrough in a key target market. “We are delighted to see Skymark Airlines sharing our vision of the A380 as the key Model Airplanes for meeting Japan’s air transport needs,” says Leahy.
A380 firm orders stand at 234 from 17 customers.
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