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TAM Airlines, Brazil's largest airline has finalized a purchase agreement for 32 eco-efficient Airbus A320 aircraft, comprising of 22 A320neo and 10 A320 Family aircraft.

The order follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed last February. Engine selection will be announced by the airline at a later date.

Fuel efficient aircraft are key to our fuel conservation program and to our contribution to the industry's CO2 emissions reduction, stated José Zaidan Maluf, Contracts and Supply Vice President of TAM Airlines.

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our operational efficiency, these new A320s will allow us to keep a young fleet, reduce costs and further improve our environmental performance, he further stated.

To date, TAM has ordered over 200 Airbus aircraft, including 27 A350-900, and operates nearly 150 Airbus aircraft to 43 destinations within Brazil and 18 destinations throughout Europe, the United States and South America. The airline, which turned 35 this year, is among the largest A320 Family operators, with 125 in total, including 30 A319s, 86 A320s and nine A321s

We are very proud that our long-time customer and one of the largest A320 Family operators will be among the first customers to benefit from the A320neo's increased capabilities, including a 15 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, stated John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Over 7,900 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and more than 4,800 delivered to some 340 customers and operators worldwide till date.