Italian charter carrier Eurofly has signed a contract for one A319 Long Range aircraft and plans to

acquire a second, becoming a new customer for the Airbus Corporate jetliner family.

The Milan-based company is already an Airbus operator, flying five A320s and two A330-200s on services within Europe and to destinations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean.

Delivery of Eurofly’s two A319 Long Range aircraft is planned for spring 2005, with each aircraft being equipped by Airbus with four-abreast seating for 48 passengers. The aircraft will fly scheduled all-premium class services, such as from Milan and Rome to New York, offering business travellers a new style of travel. They will also be available for executive charter flights to other destinations.

Each of Eurofly’s Airbus A319 Long Range aircraft is powered by two 27,000 lb thrust CFM International CFM56-5B7 engines.

“The front of an airliner cabin is sold on the basis of the product that it offers – with the emphasis on seating, service and schedule – and if we can offer premium-class passengers something better, then they will prefer to fly with us,” said Eurofly ceo Captain Augusto Angioletti.

“And with the widest and most spacious of any business jet, the Airbus ACJ family is ideal for providing exactly that.”

Eurofly has provided charter services with Airbus aircraft since its inception in 1989.

“All-premium class transatlantic flights – as a complement to scheduled services – are increasingly popular with business travellers, and the Airbus ACJ family is proving increasingly successful in this field, says Airbus president and ceo Noel Forged.

“With public transport certification to carry 40-50 passengers in comfort and style, the ACJ family is what the market wants.”

Directly derived from the Airbus A320 product line, the ACJ family has won in excess of 30 sales from the Americas, Asia. Europe and the Middle East.