Cargo and charger carrier National Airlines
has completed the expansion of its widebody fleet with the delivery of its fourth Airbus A330-200 passenger aircraft. The final A330-200 will be used alongside the rest of the Florida-based carrier’s fleet to fly business charters, military troops, holiday groups, and sports teams across the globe.
Adding to the Airbus fleet
The airline took delivery of its first Airbus A320-200
in July, followed by this most recent addition from CDB Aviation. The new planes are part of National Airlines’ fleet modernization and capacity enhancement strategy and will be used to offer premium charter passenger services to broader customer groups.
The A330-200 is known for its fuel efficiency, advanced technology, and versatility. It can travel up to 15,094 km (8,150 nautical miles) and has a payload capacity of over 100,000 lbs. Both planes are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, which enable them to be used on long-haul flights.
The new planes have been configured in a two-class layout with 49 premium seats and 245 standard economy seats with USB ports, an entertainment center, and a “generous” recline. National Airlines Chairman Christopher Alf explained the aircraft’s role in the fleet:
“We are extremely grateful to CDB Aviation for partnering with us in this aircraft sale. The addition of these two A330-200 aircraft to National’s fleet emphasizes our commitment to providing world-class service to our customers as we expand and enhance our passenger experience.
“These new aircraft will not only lead to a more efficient and broader operational range but also equip us better to meet the growing demand for exclusive, highly customised and personalised charter travel requests from customers across the globe.”
Photo: National Airlines
The two new A330-200 aircraft join an Airbus A330-300
(N873CA) and a Boeing 757-200
(N963CA) in the airline’s passenger fleet.
Where did the aircraft come from?
The latest plane, registered N828CA, came from CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing (CDB Leasing). According to data from ch-aviation, The plane was first ordered by avianca in 2007. It took its first flight at the end of 2011 and was delivered on January 12th, 2012.
The aircraft that arrived this summer has been registered N819CA and appears to be operating flights on behalf of the United States Air Force. It was also initially ordered by avianca and later flew for Thomas Cook Airlines. Commenting on the recent sale. CDB Aviation Chief Executive Officer Jie Chen said:
“We are delighted to have collaborated on executing this sale transaction for two of our A330-200 passenger aircraft and look forward to expanding our partnership with the National team.
“These A330 aircraft will support the carrier’s fleet growth strategy, offering efficient, resourceful, and modern air passenger services for their customers’ increasing transportation demands.”
Photo: National Airlines
According to the carrier’s website, the A330-200 is National’s premium passenger aircraft. It will be allocated to operating passenger charters, transporting sports teams, carrying military personnel, and responding to humanitarian crises worldwide.
National Airlines purchased its first Airbus aircraft in 2020 as part of its ongoing fleet expansion project. With the addition of the A330-200, National Airlines has extended its services to support additional corporate business groups, tour operators, sports teams, and entertainment groups.
With the latest fleet expansion, National Airlines currently operates nine Boeing 747 freighters along with an expanding passenger fleet of Airbus A330-300, A330-200s, and Boeing 757-200. Earlier this summer, the airline kicked off the Farnborough Airshow, an order for four Boeing B777 freighters, which are scheduled for delivery between 2025-26.
Related
National Airlines Orders 4 Boeing 777-200 Freighters At Farnborough International Airshow
Boeing and National Airlines opened up the Farnborough International Airshow with the first order for four Boeing 777F aircraft.
