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The purchase includes 33 eco-efficient A320neo aircraft and is the largest order for the model in Latin America.

AviancaTaca Holding S.A., the parent company of Avianca, Taca and AeroGal among others, has signed a purchase agreement with the European manufacturer Airbus for 33 eco-efficient A320neo, in addition to another 18 aircraft from its A320 Family. It follows an MOU signed during the Paris Air Show in June 2011, and is the largest order of A320neo in the region.

The new aircraft will support the ambitious expansion of the airline group, and allow it to continue to maintain one of the youngest fleets in Latin America.

Fabio Villegas Ramirez, CEO of AviancaTaca Holding S.A. stated that: “With this order our group airline modernization process continues, which includes fleet renewal as its primary focus. Our goal is to offer travelers the most comfortable and efficient aircraft in the market. The A320neo are recognized for their configuration and green technology,” affirmed the company director.

“Airbus is very proud of its contribution to the AviancaTaca success story”, said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Thanks to the unrivaled operating costs and comfort levels it offers passengers, the A320 Family has become the first choice for single-aisle aircraft among the most important operators worldwide,” he added.

The companies that comprise AviancaTaca have placed firm orders for 190 Airbus aircraft (including the latest order of 51 planes) and currently have 88 aircraft from the A320 Family and eight A330. Together the companies operate the complete A320 family: A318, A319, A320 and A321.

About the A320neo
The A320neo shares 95% communality with existing models, allowing seamless integration with the Airbus aircraft presently operated by Avianca and Taca. It offers a range of more than 500 nautical miles (950 km) and the ability to transport two tons more cargo.

The A320neo incorporates the latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing tips. These devices allow fuel savings of up to 15 percent. This is equivalent to a 1.4 million liter fuel reduction per year- equal to the consumption of 1,000 mid-size cars, thus saving 3,600 tonnes of C02 per aircraft, per year. The A320neo aircraft also have a considerably smaller noise footprint.

More than 8,300 aircraft in the A320 Family have been ordered globally and 5,000 delivered to more than 340 clients and operators, reaffirming its position as the highest selling family of single-aisle aircraft in the world.