Arab carrier Tunisair has agreed to modernise its fleet with three Airbus A350-800s and three A330-200s as well as 10 A320 aircraft.

Airbus says the Tunis-based carrier has signed a letter of acceptance for a fleet-renewal proposal from the airframer.

No engine selection has been disclosed, although the A350 is only available with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Tunisair’s current fleet of 12 A320s and four A319s is fitted with CFM International CFM56 engines.

Tunisair also has Boeing 737-500s and -600s which are equipped with CFM56s as standard. Its long-haul fleet comprises three Airbus A300-600s, fitted with General Electric CF6 powerplants.

Neither Airbus nor Tunisair has indicated when the new aircraft would be delivered, or detailed the extent to which they will replace its current jets.

 Tunisair-a350
 © Airbus
Tunisair A350-800

Tunisair chief Nabil Chettaoui says the acquisition is “part of a major fleet development” which will enable the airline to “take up market opportunities”. The A330s and A350s will be used on services to North America and Asia.

Disclosure of the fleet renewal plan comes as Tunisair celebrates its 60th anniversary. The airline is intending to undergo a change of livery to mark the occasion.


Source: flightglobal.com's sister premium news site Air Transport Intelligence news

Source: Flight International