TransAsia Airways Acquires Fuel-efficient Airplanes

Taipei, Oct. 23, 2012 (CENS)--TransAsia Airways, a mid-sized Taiwanese airline, recently confirmed that it has ordered six A321 neos and two ATRs, which when delivered will bring the size of its new fleet to 32. Both of the new models on order are much more fuel-efficient than the company's older aircraft, making them especially desirable given today's high oil prices.

The firm ordered six A321 neos and placed options for six more from Airbus last June, and recently decided to convert the options into firm orders. This will give TransAsia 12 new A321 neos, with delivery scheduled for 2017 to 2022.

The firm ordered eight ATR72-600 aircraft and placed an option for one more in March, and recently decided to add four more to speed up the renewal of its domestic fleet and provide better services to its passengers.

According to Y.Z. Hsu, deputy general manager of TransAsia's flight dispatch department, the ATR 72-600 is a more advanced version of the ATR72-500, equipped with a high-tech navigation system in the cockpit and newly-developed six-blade propellers on the engines, making it more efficient and silent.

These new ATR 72-600s are the most fuel-efficient of their kind so far. They will be used to fly mainly domestic routes in Taiwan, where they will use 25% less fuel than jets flying the same distance. They will also provide more spacious seating in their one-class economy cabins.

All these new aircraft will cost TransAsia an estimated NT$54 billion (US$1.8 billion). According to the firm's finance department, financing arrangements have already been made.