Startup Italian cargo airline, Alis Aerolinee Italiane, announced recently that the airline has signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the acquisition of Airbus Aircraft for the new cargo carrier.

Five Airbus A330-200 Freighter aircraft have been chosen for the carrier with an option to acquire three more of the type.  According to Airbus, the A330-200F can carry up to 64 metric tonnes over 4,000 nautical miles in its standard version.  Airbus also noting that when selecting the optional payload mode operators can carry 69 metric tonnes up to 3,200 nautical miles in the twin-engine widebody aircraft.

Commenting on the acquisition, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Alis Aerolinee Italiane, Alcide Leali said that "By opting for the A330-200F for our operations, we start with the most modern cargo aircraft available on the market in its category. We are fully convinced that the A330-200 Freighter aircraft will greatly contribute to our development plans and allow us to operate the most modern and efficient fleet of cargo aircraft in Italy."

Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers, John Leahy also speaking to the memorandum of understanding between Airbus and Alis Aerolinee Italiane, said that he was proud the Italian startup had chosen the European manufacturer, and that new airlines choice is yet another endorsement for the A330 Freighter.

Set to start operations in 2009, the new company has indicated that from it’s base in northern Italy,  the airline will to fly to destinations in North America and the Sub-Continent, as well as destinations throughout Asia.

Source: EADS N.V. and €uromerci and Air Cargo Asia Pacific

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