Air Austral, an airline based in Saint Denis, La Reunion, has signed a MoU with Airbus for the purchase of two A380s in a single-class configuration. In a single-class configuration the aircraft will seat around 840 passengers. Air Austral plans to operate the A380 through one of its subsidiaries on its high-density route from La Reunion to Paris, France. No engine choice has been made at this stage.

“Our vision is to provide a low cost-high quality service on the heavy traffic route between La Reunion and Paris and the A380 allows us to make this vision a reality,” said Gerard Etheve, President of Air Austral. “The A380 has the lowest cost per seat and is the most environment-friendly aircraft flying today while at the same time providing a high level of passenger comfort. This will enable Air Austral to better connect La Reunion to France at a lower fare.”

John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers, added: “Air Austral ‘s selection shows the potential of the A380 in the market of today and tomorrow. The real benefits of “doing more with less” now is a reality offered to the market and we congratulate Air Austral on making their vision into a real strategy for this important market segment.”

The A380 has unmatched levels of operating cost and fuel efficiency, consuming with 840 passengers less than two liters per passenger per 100 kilometers.

The A380 not only complies with today’s noise limits, it is also significantly quieter than any other large aircraft flying today. Firm orders for the aircraft stand at 198 from 16 customers.
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