Air Côte d’Ivoire, the national airline of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, has signed a firm order with Airbus for two A330neo aircraft. 

Announced at Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse, Air Côte d’Ivoire will use the A330neos to support its plans to launch long haul services, according to a statement released by Airbus. 

“The new A330neo widebody aircraft will enable Air Côte d’Ivoire to grow its network and efficiently launch long haul routes in view of the airline’s transcontinental expansion strategy,” the statement continued. 

The pair of A330neos will be the first of their kind in Air Côte d’Ivoire’s fleet, which currently consists of six Airbus aircraft comprising one A320neo, two A320ceo and three A319, plus four De Havilland Q400 Dash 8s. 

Based in Abidjan, Air Côte d’Ivoire launched in May 2012. The airline serves Côte d’Ivoire’s domestic network from its Abidjan hub to San-Pedro, Bouake, Korhogo, Obienne, and Man. 

The airline’s regional network consists of services to destinations across West and South Africa according to its website. 

Historically, Air Côte d’Ivoire and Ethiopian Airlines have operated three direct flights per week from the airport of Abidjan to the City of New York through a codeshare, established in May 12, 2018.   

Air Côte d’Ivoire joins the likes of Uganda Airlines which operates its own pair of A330neos.