Vueling, the low-cost branch of the International Airlines Group (IAG) – which also manages British Airways and Iberia – will wet lease a widebody aircraft from Aer Lingus, the Irish carrier of the group.
Said movement, unprecedented for the low-cost carrier, which has only ever operated narrowbodies of the Airbus A320 family, is expected to support the airline’s sudden expansion in Paris-Orly Airport from November the 1st.
Extensively covered by Aviacionline, the expansion will be IAG’s largest French incursion to date, with 28 new routes. This is made possible by the transfer, from Air France, of 17 daily slots in the airport, in an agreement between the European Commission and the airline, authorising the French State to inject money into the country’s flag carrier.
The wet-leased aircraft is expected to be an Airbus A330-300, the Irish company’s flagship. Vueling confirmed the intentions.
Especialy common during Summer season in Europe, wet leasing is a contract where besides leasing the aircraft, the crews of the owner are also deployed on behalf of the lessee.
“Vueling has an order with Airbus for A321neo aircraft, which, once received, will operate from ORY”, the airline told Aviacionline. “During the initial ramp-up period Vueling will use A321ceo aircraft currently in its fleet. In addition, for a temporary period Vueling will deploy a wide body aircraft to support additional capacity.”
