First A330-200F order in Latin America

AviancaTaca subsidiary to launch latest generation freighter aircraft

AviancaTaca’s recent order for four A330-200F marks a major milestone for the region. To be operated by the airline’s cargo subsidiary Tampa, AviancaTaca was the first to order the latest generation freighter aircraft in Latin America and adds its name to a growing list of A330-200F customers. Looking to the future, this order will allow AviancaTaca to add capacity to its growing market with a modern and highly efficient aircraft.

After entry-into-service in September 2010, four airlines currently operate the A330-200F: Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Hong-Kong Airlines and MASKargo. To date, customer feedback on the nine aircraft in service has been unequivocal. Some comments include:

- Full use of the cargo loading system capabilities (single-row or side-by side configurations, 16ft or 20ft pallets, etc.),

- Efficiency on both short and long haul sectors,

- Full use of the performance envelope using payload and range modes,

- Capacity to load all type of cargo and

- Very high levels of reliability and utilization right from entry into service.

The latter point, a crucial one in the aviation sector, boasts some remarkable numbers. Systematically, the aircraft delivers over 99% reliability and some monthly peak utilizations have reached more than 400 flight hours. The A330-200F’s in-service performance and its associated profits are such that some customers have already decided to re-order additional aircraft.

For Latin America and AviancaTaca, the aircraft will offer what it does best. The A330-200F offers an ideal 70t cargo capability, optimized for short and long sectors throughout the north and south of the region, but it is also capable of serving Europe. Additionally, the aircraft provides airlines high levels of efficiency with heavy dense payloads, perfect for shipping asparagus or salmon, or light voluminous cargo such as flowers.

Such high levels of reliability will surely be instrumental in ensuring timely and quality service, ideal for the demanding sector of transporting perishable goods, typical in the Latin American freight market.

For more information contact:
Patrick Baudis
Vice President Marketing, Latin America & Caribbean
patrick.baudis@airbus.com