China has placed an order for 60 Airbus planes from France, in a deal worth $8 billion at list prices.
The agreement, for 18 A330 wide-bodied aircraft and 42 A320s, was signed yesterday in Beijing by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart Francois Hollande.
It marks a breakthrough after China last year banned its national carriers from complying with the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) (see online news, February 2012).
The EU then suspended the inclusion of foreign airlines in ETS, paving the way for ths Airbus deal to take place.
Airbus CEO Fabrice Brégier said: “The A320’s high reliability and low operational cost has made it very popular with Chinese airlines.
“As congestion puts pressure on airports in large cities in China, the A330 is an excellent solution as larger aircraft can transport more passengers with less flights. The comfort of the A330’s spacious cabin is also appealing to passengers.
“These eco-efficient Airbus aircraft will contribute to the growth and success of China’s aviation sector.”
By the end of March, there were 750 A320 aircraft in operation with 14 Chinese airlines and more than 110 A330s in operation with six operators.
The EU ETS was expanded to include avitation from January 1, 2012 as a way of curbing greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.
Before modification to suspend the inclusion of foreign carriers, the scheme required all airlines flying in, out and around Europe to make up for every tonne of carbon dioxide released either by purchasing CO2 allowances or off setting CO2 releases with various projects.
Airlines that do not comply faced charges of 100 Euros (US$130) for every tonne of CO2 unaccounted for.
For more information, visit airbus.com.
Report by Graham Smith
