OREANDA-NEWS. Argentina’s flagship carrier, Aerolineas Argentinas, has taken delivery of their first new, directly purchased Airbus A330-200 aircraft as a part of the carrier’s fleet renewal strategy. The aircraft, equipped with GE engines, joins the airline’s existing fleet of 11 Airbus widebody aircraft, comprising four A330-200s and seven A340s.

“The addition of this new A330-200 to our wide body family will enable Aerolineas Argentinas, to redefine its long-haul network and enhance its international service offering,” said Dr. Mariano Recalde, President of Aerolineas Argentinas. “This new A330 not only shares commonality with our existing A330 and A340 airliners, it also offers exceptional operational flexibility with the right range and lowest costs. It will play a key role in our fleet renewal strategy, ensuring that we continue to offer our passengers the best in world class comfort and service levels.”

Aerolineas Argentinas will deploy its new A330 on starting on long haul routes from their Buenos Aires hub to Miami and New York City, and then Madrid in July 2015.

“The A330-200 will bring superior long-range flying capability, unmatched economics and excellent passenger appeal to Aerolineas Argentinas’ widebody fleet,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. “Aerolineas Argentinas has partnered with Airbus for over two decades and we are delighted to see them base their long-range fleet renewal strategy on the popular A330.”

Aerol?neas Argentinas has been an Airbus operator since 1994 when the airline began flying the A310-300. In February 2013, Argentina’s national airline announced their order for four Airbus A330-200s to renew and consolidate its widebody fleet.

The A330 Family includes Freighter, VIP, and Military Transport/Tanker variants, has now attracted more than 1,400 orders. Over 1,100 A330 Family aircraft are flying with more than 100 operators worldwide. The A330 is one of the world’s most efficient aircraft with best in class operating economics. With numerous on-going product enhancements entering service in the coming years, the A330 Family remains the most cost-efficient and capable widebody aircraft, averaging operational reliability above 99 percent.

With more than 850 aircraft sold and a backlog of nearly 400, more than 550 Airbus aircraft are in operation throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In the last 10 years, Airbus has tripled its in-service fleet, while delivering more than 60 percent of all aircraft operating in the region.

Airbus is a leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats.