Air Hong Kong (AHK) has signed a contract for six Airbus A300-600 Freighter aircraft as part of its fleet expansion programme. The all-cargo carrier, in which Cathay Pacific and DHL Worldwide Express hold a 70 per cent and 30 per cent stake respectively, has also taken options for a further four aircraft of the type.

AHK is the launch customer for the A300-600F “General Freighter” variant, which differs from A300F4-600R aircraft currently offered in that it has a loading system and side door capable of handling large items of general freight in addition to small packages.

The six wide-body aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2004 and 2005.

AHK Air Hong Kong Chairman Tony Tyler said: “This is a great step forward in Air Hong Kong`s development and its partnership with DHL. This very significant fleet expansion demonstrates Air Hong Kong`s commitment to enhancing Hong Kong`s position as Asia`s leading air cargo hub, and to strengthening the scope and quality of service that we already provide DHL.”

“With this order, Air Hong Kong launches a new variant of Airbus’ most successful freighter, an endorsement of the strength of the Airbus product line,” said No‘l Forgeard, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. “The freighter market continues to grow for Airbus aircraft and this new variant is the result of Airbus listening and reacting to market demands.”

Today, in a highly competitive marketplace, there are more than 250 A300, A310 and A300-600 freighters in service or on firm order.

A leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive product line on the market, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., China and Japan. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is a joint EADS Company with BAE SYSTEMS.
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