One of Africa’s fast-growing airline, Air Cote d’Ivoire, has received its first brand new Airbus A320 aircraft, to boost its fleet.
The Cote d’Ivoire national carrier, received the new aircraft at a ground-breaking ceremony which took place at the at the Airbus delivery centre in Toulouse, France, in the presences of its chairman, board of directors, Abdoulaye Coulibaly, managing director, René Decurey and Airbus executive vice president programmes, Didier Evrard.
According to Air Cote d’Ivoire managing director, René Decurey, the new aircraft has a seating capacity for 150 passengers in two-class configuration, 16 business class and 132 economy class which seats are configured by STELIA CELESTE, Airbus first choice customer.
The Customized new aircraft is equipped with CFM 56 engines fitted with state-of-the-art aerodynamic wing-tips called Sharklets, with mood-light lighting, laptop and USB charging port and the latest generation of internet connectivity.
Air Côte d’Ivoire picked the single isle A320 family due to its comfortable isle space, low fuel consumption performance and low working expenses.
Airbus executive vice president of programmes, Didier Evrard praised Air Cote d’Ivoire team on their choice of the new aircraft, describing the A320 family has the most successful aircraft in the world.
“All Airbus teams and myself are very proud to see one of our aircraft fly again with the colours of Air cote d’Ivoire”. By receiving this aircraft, Air Cote d’Ivoire reinforces its image of the most modern company of West Africa with commercial jets among the most efficient, he added.
Air Cote d’Ivoire, Chairman, Abdoulaye Coulibaly, expressing his delight said, “we are very happy that after five years, we can afford to buy a new plane”.
The legendry Ivorian musical group “Magical System” performed live at the dinner ceremony and took the entertainment on-board, performing on the Inaugural flight from Toulouse to Abidjan.
Currently, Air Cote d’Ivoire operates 4 Airbus A319, 2 Airbus A320 and 4 Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 which runs on 6 domestic networks and 20 west and central Africa regions.
The new Airbus A320 aircraft is the first of two A320 to be delivered this year 2017, first A320neo aircraft would be delivered in 2020 and two in 2021.
