Middle East Airlines (MEA) of the Lebanon has placed an order with Airbus for six A321s, becoming a new customer for the type.

The order confirms an announcement by the airline earlier this year, when it said that it would acquire A321s as part of a fleet modernisation that is the last part of its re-structuring plan.

MEA will take delivery of five A321s between January and May 2003, and a sixth in early 2004. The aircraft will be powered by International Aero Engines V2533s, which feature quietness that meets tough new Stage 4 noise standards.

MEA’s A321s feature luxurious seating for 31 passengers in business class and 118 in economy, with personal TVs for everyone.

MEA already flies an all-Airbus fleet comprising A320s and A321s, as well as A300s and A310s, on non-stop routes to Europe - as well as within the Middle East and to Africa.

The newly ordered A321s replace leased A320s, A321s and A310s in the MEA fleet. They will be complemented by three leased A330-200s, all of which will be delivered in the second quarter of 2003, which will replace leased A300s and A310s.

The best-selling Airbus A320 family is in widespread service around the world with some 120 customers and operators, including several airlines within the Middle East. It is the consistent winner in independent surveys of airline and passenger surveys.

Passengers love the A320 family’s more spacious cabin and greater comfort, which includes wider seats in economy, while its modern design and attractive economics make it a firm favourite with airlines and financiers.

Firm orders for the A320 family now approach 3,000 aircraft, of which 1,800 have already been delivered.

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 an EADS joint Company with BAE SYSTEMS.

Author Information - Noël Forgeard

President and Chief Executive Officer

Noël Forgeard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus, joined the company on 1st April 1998. His varied career has afforded him exposure to a range of government and industrial concerns, as well as extensive experience in the private sector. He is renowned for a hands-on approach to the operational side of the business and has considerable experience in the field of international trade relations as well as in the creation of competitive, integrated European companies.

Mr. Forgeard graduated from the “Ecole Polytechnique” in Paris and after working as a Chief Engineer in the French Ministry of Industry, he became Technical Advisor in charge of the civil aviation sector at the Ministry of Transport in April 1978. In October 1980 he was designated Technical Advisor in charge of armament affairs at the Ministry of Defence.

In May 1981, Mr. Forgeard joined Usinor, a French steel manufacturer, occupying various key positions including President and General Manager of Subsidiaries. In 1985 he became President and General Manager of Ascometal, a specialised steel company.

From March 1986 to May 1987 he served as Advisor for Industrial Affairs to the Prime Minister of France.

Mr. Forgeard then returned to the private sector, becoming Senior Vice President of Matra's defence and space activities. Following a re-organisation in 1989, he was appointed Chairman and Managing Director of the Matra subsidiary. In 1992, Mr. Forgeard was appointed President of Lagardère, then Chief Executive of Matra Hautes Technologies, a subsidiary specialising in defence, space and telecommunications. In total, Mr. Forgeard served almost 12 years with the privately owned Lagardère.

Born in Paris in 1946, Noël Forgeard is married and has three daughters and one son. He appreciates fine art and holds the French decoration "“Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur” and “Officier de l'Ordre National du Mérite”.

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