China Eastern Airlines yesterday took delivery of its 100th Airbus aircraft, an Airbus A320, becoming the first carrier operating a fleet of over 100 Airbus aircraft in China and the entire Asia-Pacific region.

"Over the past 20 years, we have enjoyed a close relationship with Airbus and benefited from Airbus' non-stop innovations in aircraft design, manufacturing. These advantages not only help strengthen our operational efficiency but also remarkably reduce our aircraft maintenance costs, fuel consumption and pilot training," said China Eastern Airlines Chairman Li Fenghua.

"We are very proud and delighted to deliver the 100th Airbus aircraft to China Eastern Airlines, thus setting a new significant milestone in the 20 years of close co-operation between our two companies," said Gustav Humbert, Airbus president and chief executive, at the delivery ceremony held yesterday in Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.

"We admire the pioneering spirit of China Eastern Airlines and will continue to provide the most modern aircraft and the best technical support to ensure the rapid expansion of its business."

China Eastern took delivery of its first Airbus, an A310, in June 1985, which marked the beginning of Airbus' entry into the Chinese market. By the end of August 2005, China Eastern had built up the largest Airbus fleet in China, including aircraft from the A300/310 family, the A320 family and the A340 family.

China Eastern was also the first Airbus A319 operator and first A340-600 operator on the Chinese mainland. The airline also has 20 A330-200 and A330-300 aircrafts on order.

To date, the Shanghai-based carrier has become one of the top three Chinese airlines with an extensive air network connecting Asia, Europe, America and Australia.

Currently, China Eastern operates nearly 200 aircraft on more than 400 domestic and international routes.

The A320 single-aisled aircraft, is one of the most successful of Airbus' airline programs. It has more than 160 customers operating it.

By the end of August 2005, over 200 A320 aircraft were in service, of which China accounted for nine of the operators.

"This coming January, we will deliver the first A330 aircraft to China Eastern Airlines, which will help to further increase its operational flexibility, especially on international and regional long-haul routes," added Gustav Humbert, Airbus president and chief executive.

Currently, there are over 200 Airbus aircraft in service on the Chinese mainland, representing a market share of 28 percent. So far this year Airbus has received 69 orders from five Chinese airlines, including five A380s, 30 A330 and 34 A320 aircraft. Four new Chinese airlines have become Airbus operators, namely Shenzhen Airlines, Spring Airlines, United Eagle Airlines and Hainan Airlines.

The total number of Airbus aircraft to be delivered to China is expected to reach 65 by the end of this year, hitting a record high.

(China Daily October 28, 2005)