Air Transport

German carrier Blue Wings has signed a letter of intent for 20 Airbus A320 family aircraft, as it embarks on a major expansion strategy.

The Dusseldorf-based carrier, which has operated a small number of Airbus narrowbodies since its formation in 2002, has today at the Farnborough air show signed the agreement for 16 A320s and four A321s.

Delivery of the aircraft will begin in 2009 and will run until 2011. No engine selection has yet been made.

Blue Wings is acquiring the aircraft to support major expansion plans for both scheduled and charter services connecting Germany with Russia.

It comes after Zurich-based investment company Alpstream, an affiliate of Russia’s National Reserve Corporation, a shareholder in flag-carrier Aeroflot recently acquired a 48% stake in the airline.