New Tunisian carrier Syphax Airlines has confirmed its tentative commitment to buy three Airbus A320neo and becomes the first African carrier to order the new engine option version of the popular short-haul airliner. The deal, which also includes an arrangement for three A320ceo jets, the current production version, represents a significant breakthrough for Airbus in one of the world’s fastest developing markets.

“Syphax Airlines is focused on continuing to grow its Tunisian, North Africa and Europe routes, and an expansion of its network to Asia and North America, through its hubs in Tunis and Sfax while offering passengers a luxurious service.”

Mohamed Frikha
Chairman and Director General, Syphax Airlines

“Syphax Airlines is focused on continuing to grow its Tunisian, North Africa and Europe routes, and an expansion of its network to Asia and North America, through its hubs in Tunis and Sfax while offering passengers a luxurious service,” said Syphax Chairman and Director General, Mohamed Frikha. “Adding the A320neo to our fleet means we can achieve all of these goals while benefitting from a 15 per cent fuel saving and cost effectiveness.”

The carrier currently operates two A319s and three A320s from bases in Sfax and Tunis and will shortly commence operating a leased A330-200. The first of the new A320ceos are due to arrive in 2015 with the A320neos set to follow from 2019.

The Syphax Airlines network currently covers a range of destinations across North Africa and Europe but it has ambitious plans to expand to a range of destinations across West Africa and to long-haul destinations, including the likes of Montreal and New York in North America, Rio de Janeiro in South America and Beijing and Tokyo in Asia.