Italian Airline Air One Adds New Airbus Aircrafts to Its Fleet

Will Expand by Two Dozen Planes Now With Plans for Further
Expansion
ROME--(Business Wire)--
Air One, Italy's leading private airline, today announced an
agreement with Airbus SAS, the world's largest plane maker, to
purchase 24 new long-range aircraft - making the airline one of
Airbus' largest customers in Europe. The newly ordered airplanes are
12 Airbus A330-200s and 12 new Airbus A350-800 XWBs, the latest
generation of highly efficient and eco-sustainable aircraft, not yet
available on the market. The contract includes a plan for the future
purchase of eight A330s to be delivered by 2012 and twelve A350 XWBs
to be delivered by 2018.

"This agreement marks a milestone in our ongoing commitment to
quality and efficiency while sustaining growth," said Carlo Toto,
president of Air One. "We have chosen airplanes that not only provide
the best possible passenger experience, but also represent greater
respect for the environment. It is a significant investment not only
for our company, but for the quality of national air transport."

Expanding Air One's Fleet and Service

The order for the new aircrafts is consistent with Air One's plan
to increase its international network - particularly in the U.S. and
the Far East markets - to reach 16 intercontinental destinations by
2012. It also coincides with the relaunch of its domestic air
transport system to improve quality and efficiency.

The new aircraft purchase agreement is the latest step in the
airline's wider program to renew its fleet with aircraft which can
guarantee passenger comfort, operative efficiency, and meet or surpass
new environmental regulations. Air One first signed an agreement with
Airbus in 2005 to purchase 90 Airbus 320s for its medium-range
operations - 16 of which are already part of the fleet. In 2006, Air
One also signed a purchase agreement for 10 regional CRJ Bombardier,
all of which were delivered by mid-2007.

"We are delighted that Air One is again confirming its confidence
in Airbus by ordering our long-haul products, which will complement
their A320 fleet," said Thomas Enders, president and CEO of Airbus.
"We are sure that the best-selling A330 and the all-new A350 will
contribute to Air One's international growth plans with the right
product at the right time."

The New Long-Range Aircraft

The new Airbus A330-200s will have two classes for a total of up
to 253 passengers. The aircraft will operate with engines that reduce
pollution output, and help safeguard the environment by meeting the
strictest international environmental regulations. The A330-200 can
fly for approximately 7,700 miles at capacity without refueling, and
reaches a maximum cruising speed of 540 miles per hour. And the
aircraft provides airlines which fly it a competitive edge due to its
considerably low operation costs.

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) is the new generation long-range
airplane manufactured by Airbus. It has a larger fuselage compared to
other long range aircraft, guaranteeing more ample internal space and
reduced operational costs when compared to other aircraft of the same
category.

With a greater than 9,500-mile-full-load, no-stopover autonomy and
a cruising speed of 553 miles per hour, the A350 guarantees both
improved passenger comfort and lower fuel consumption, making it more
environmentally friendly.

Air One has chosen the 800 version of the Airbus A350 XWB, which
has two class configurations and can carry up to 257 passengers. The
A350-800 will operate with Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines which will
also respect the new stricter anti-pollution regulations.

Air One's International and Intercontinental Network

The new airplanes will expand Air One's long-haul network and its
services to business travelers. In 2012, Air One will reach nearly 50
international destinations on its medium-haul network, and 16
intercontinental destinations mainly in North and South America and
the Far East. The long-haul activities will begin in June with the
first two intercontinental flights to Boston and Chicago from
Milan-Malpensa airport. These flights will be operated with two leased
Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

Today, Air One already offers vast coverage in the Italian market
with 21 domestic destinations. In the past few months it has increased
its international presence to 18 European cities, as well as many
other international destinations due to its code-share agreements with
partner airlines.

About Air One

In 2007, Air One exceeded 37 percent of national market share.
With its 3,400 employees (including controlled companies) Air One
flies to 21 national, 18 international destinations, and beginning
June 2008, two intercontinental destinations, plus many other
international code-share destinations. In 2007, Air One transported
more than 7.5 million passengers with revenue of nearly 750 million
Euro.

for Air One
Emma Douglas, 312-240-2730
emma.douglas@edelman.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008