Air Côte d’Ivoire, Ivory Coast’s national airline based in Abidjan, signed a firm order for the purchase of an additional A320neo to complete its fleet. This was done at the opening of the Farnborough Air Show, held in the United Kingdom.
Chairman of the Board, General Abdoulaye Coulibaly, said: “This additional A320neo would allow Air Côte d’Ivoire to truly differentiate its product by offering a higher level of comfort to its customers with new aircraft. Thanks to this new Airbus aircraft, Air Côte d’Ivoire will also improve its operating efficiency to better meet the need for traffic growth.”
In three years, Air Côte d’Ivoire has tripled its number of passengers, and, with its new fleet, will position itself as the leader in this highly competitive region.
It currently flies to 23 international destinations located in West and Central Africa, and to five domestic destinations. Air Côte d’Ivoire already operates six Airbus aircraft (four A319s and two A320), and this new commitment follows its previous order for four aircraft placed in April.
“This vote of confidence from Air Côte d’Ivoire is further proof of the rapid traffic growth in Africa, and of the leading role that this dynamic airline aims to play in the development of air transport on this continent. Airbus is delighted to contribute to this,” highlighted John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.
The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with over 12,500 orders since launch and more than 7,000 aircraft delivered to some 400 customer and operators worldwide. Also, Air Côte d’Ivoire already distinguished itself in the spring by becoming the first African airline to order the A320neo.