Air Côte d’Ivoire has placed a firm order with Airbus Industrie for two Airbus A320neo and two A320 aircraft, making it the first African airline to order the A320neo.

Air Côte d’Ivoire selected the A320 Family for its wider cabin, low operating costs and excellent fuel efficiency. The airline has selected CFM engines for their A320 fleet.

The aircraft will feature a 2-class cabin layout. The new aircraft will fit seamlessly into the airline’s current fleet, thanks to Airbus’ fleet commonality, and best-in-class passenger comfort of any single aisle aircraft.

“With these new aircraft Air Côte d’Ivoire will position itself as a flagship airline in the region by offering its passengers the best on-board services. Air Côte d’Ivoire will also improve its punctuality and reliability thanks to these latest-generation Airbus aircraft,” said General Abdoulaye Coulibaly, Chairman of the Board.

“We are very pleased to welcome Air Côte d’Ivoire as our first customer for the A320neo in Africa. Our A320neo and A320 will offer Air Côte d’Ivoire the lowest operational costs and the highest seat comfort and widest cabins for its passengers.

This order will play a key role in the development of Air Côte D’Ivoire with new routes to West and Central Africa,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

This new order will strengthen Air Côte d’Ivoire’s network which today reaches 23 international routes throughout West and Central Africa and 5 domestic destinations in Ivory Coast.

Air Côte D’Ivoire currently operates five Airbus aircraft on lease four A319s and 1 A320 in addition to four Bombardier Dash 8-400s.