Dragonair to expand its fleet

Dragonair announced that it will further expand its fleet with the acquisition of two more Airbus A320-200s. The fleet enhancement is a strategic move in support of the airline’s continued network expansion.

The two new A320-200s, acquired on an operating lease with CIT Aerospace, are scheduled for delivery in 2009 and 2010. The aircraft will be powered by V2527-A5 engines from International Aero Engines AG. 

In the past year the Dragonair network has been boosted by the launch of five new destinations. The acquisition of the two new A320-200s will reinforce our commitment to further growing our network, said Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Kenny Tang.

The fleet expansion will leave us better positioned to strengthen routes in our existing network and explore opportunities to serve more niche markets in Asia. This will result in greater choice for travellers and serve to further strengthen Hong Kong’s role as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs.

Dragonair recently announced that it will increase the number of flights to Dhaka, Bangladesh, from four times a week to five. It will also launch a new daily service to Bengaluru (Bangalore) on July 1 - the first time for the airline to operate passenger services to India.

Dragonair’s fleet currently totals 40 aircraft. Its passenger aircraft fleet comprises 16 Airbus A330-300s, six Airbus A321-200s and 10 Airbus A320-200 aircraft. The freighter fleet comprises four Boeing 747-400 Converted Freighters, three Boeing 747-300s and one Boeing 747-200.  The Cathay Pacific Group has also announced last December the purchase of eight more A330-300s to be deployed by both Cathay Pacific and Dragonair.

Source: Transportweekly