Airbus Seals A350, A320neo Deal with Kuwait Airways

Loss-making Kuwait Airways has placed its first order for new aircraft in 20 years with a conversion of a commitment covering 10 A350-900s and 15 A320neos worth some $4.5 billion at list prices. The state-owned airline expects first delivery of the new airplanes in 2019. It now operates three A320s, three A310s, five A300s and four A340s.

The airline also has agreed to lease 12 other airplanes, a mix of A330s and A320s, according to Kuwait’s official news agency, KUNA. It expects to start taking delivery of the leased airplanes in December and accept the last before the summer of 2015.

“We are pleased to sign this deal with Airbus at this juncture of our sixty-year journey,” said Rasha Al Roumi, Kuwait Airways chairperson. “The A350-900 will strengthen our long haul route development whilst the A320neo will further boost our regional route network. These aircraft are an essential part of our ambitious growth plans.”

Kuwait Airways signed the commitment with Airbus in December, and on February 5 Kuwait's Parliament voted to investigate all contracts by the airline.