Tag Archives: Airbus A321neo

AirAsia upsizes Airbus A320neo order to larger A321neo

AirAsia will upsize its future Airbus single aisle fleet, converting 253 orders for the A320neo to the larger A321neo version. The change will enable the airline to offer higher capacity in response to ongoing strong demand across its network. AirAsia becomes the world’s largest customer for the A321neo.

In total, AirAsia has placed orders for 592 A320 Family aircraft. Following the upsizing, AirAsia’s backlog with Airbus includes 353 A321neo. To date, the airline has taken delivery of 224 A320 Family aircraft, flying out of its bases in Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand.

Image: Airbus.

China Airlines selects the Airbus A321neo for its future single aisle fleet

China Airlines (CAL) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for 11 Airbus A321neo aircraft and will acquire another 14 aircraft of the type on lease. CAL has selected the A321neo to meet future requirements in the single aisle category.

These 25 aircraft will join the Airbus fleet at the airline currently comprising 23 A330s and 14 A350 XWBs.

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Air Lease Corporation announces lease placement of 10 Airbus A321-200neo aircraft with Sichuan Airlines

Air Lease Corporation (ALC) announced today long-term lease agreements for ten Airbus A321-200neo aircraft with Sichuan Airlines.

Scheduled to deliver from ALC’s order book with Airbus starting in 2021 through 2022, the ten A321-200neos join one A350-900, one A321-200neo, one A320-200neo, four A321-200s, one A330-300 and one A330-200 aircraft currently on lease to the airline from ALC.

Images: Sichuan Airlines.

JetBlue to launch its longest route with its new Airbus A321neo

JetBlue Airways today announced that its new and expanded Guayaquil service, with daily nonstop flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Guayaquil, Ecuador’s José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE).

JetBlue will launch the new service on December 5, 2019 (subject to final approvals). Flights will operate daily and the new route will become the longest in the JetBlue network, stretching beyond today’s longest route by more than 200 nautical miles.

Current routes from New York (JFK):

Guayaquil is the second city in Ecuador JetBlue serves and the sixth JetBlue city in South America overall. The airline first launched daily service between Fort Lauderdale and Quito in 2016. Existing service between Fort Lauderdaleand Guayaquil launched February 2019.

Schedule between New York (JFK) and Guayaquil (GYE)
Beginning December 5, 2019


JFK – GYE Flight #1769				GYE – JFK Flight #1770
2:00 p.m. – 9:04 p.m.				10:55 p.m. – 5:13 a.m. (+1)

The new nonstop flight between the Northeast and South America will be made possible by the Airbus A321neo’s extended range and fuel efficiency. JetBlue’s growth in its existing Ecuador market advances the airline’s leadership position in Latin America and the Caribbean where it serves nearly 40 destinations, and where it currently operates approximately one-third of its flights.

Photo: Airbus.

Inside the aircraft, JetBlue’s award-winning comfort and connectivity will be the focus of the onboard customer experience. The A321neo will feature the Collins Meridian seat – which is the widest seat available for the single aisle Airbus family of aircraft – with enhanced cushion comfort, adjustable headrests, power connections at every seat and the most legroom in coach (a). Inflight entertainment will be powered by Thales AVANT and ViaSat-2 connectivity. With this system – featuring 10.1 inch, 1080P high definition screens, more than 100 channels of live television with DVR-like pause and rewind functionality, picture-in-picture function and more – JetBlue will offer customers expanded entertainment choices in nearly every region the airline flies (b). JetBlue is the only major U.S.airline with seatback entertainment screens at every seat on every aircraft.

JetBlue Tail Designs:

China Airlines selects the Airbus A321neo for its regional narrow body operations

China Airlines has made this announcement:

After assessing all relevant aircraft features and considering the congestion of neighboring airports in Asia, China Airlines have selected Airbus A321neo as the optimum aircraft for the regional narrowbody operations. China Airlines will first introduce 14 leased A321neo which will enter into service starting in 2021, and the negotiation for additional 11 firm and 5 option aircraft orders will be initiated simultaneously.

The introduction of the new narrowbody fleet will be another important milestone for China Airlines after the 10 777-300ER and 14 A350-900. With the addition of the new A321neo, China Airlines will be able to deploy new generation aircraft to both long-haul routes and regional routes, and enjoy all the benefits including operational efficiency and better economics.

As a continuation of the new generation cabin products already provided by China Airlines 777-300ER and A350-900, brand new cabin designs will be implemented in the new narrowbody aircraft, including seating configuration and in-flight entertainment system. This way China Airlines branding will remain seamless throughout the whole fleet, providing diversified and advanced services to further enhance passenger experience.

Airbus delivers the first A321LR to Canada’s Air Transat

Air Transat, a Canadian leisure and holiday travel airline, took delivery of its first Airbus A321LR aircraft. The A321LR is one of 15 the Montreal-based carrier is scheduled to receive. Air Transat leases the A321LR from AerCap.

The A321LR, with its unique Airbus Cabin Flex configuration allowing for installation of additional fuel tanks, will have a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles. Air Transat plans to use the A321LR for long-distance flights out of Canada, principally on more extended, thinner routes to European, Caribbean, Central and South American destinations. The A321LRs will replace older planes with an ultra-modern, highly cost-efficient aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art interior amenities for an enhanced and enjoyable passenger experience.

The Air Transat A321LR is configured for 199 seats in two classes, including 12 premium Club Class seats in an exclusive cabin with personalized service and ergonomic seating. Economy Class seats are wider, provide more personal space and are equipped with a state-of-the-art entertainment system.

The A321LRs are part of a larger leasing deal Air Transat has with AerCap to convert to an all-Airbus fleet by 2022 as it phases out older widebody and narrowbody planes.

Air Transat is Canada’s number one holiday airline. It flies to some 60 destinations in more than 25 countries in the Americas and Europe, offers domestic and feeder flights within Canada, and carries some 5 million passengers every year. Based in Montreal, the company employs 3,000 people. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., a leading integrated international tourism company specializing in holiday travel and offering vacation packages, hotel stays and air travel.

Top Copyright Photo (others by Airbus): Air Transat Airbus A321-271NX WL D-AZAJ (C-GOIE) (msn 8755) XFW (Gerd Beilfuss). Image: 946420.

Air Transit aircraft slide show:

JetBlue announces the first Airbus A321neo route

JetBlue Airways today announced that delivery of the airline’s first Airbus A321neo (new engine option) aircraft is set for this spring with entry into service this summer. The A321neo will make it possible for JetBlue to operate a new, nonstop route between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Guayaquil, Ecuador’s José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE). (a)

The new nonstop flight between the Northeast and South America will be made possible by the A321neo’s extended range and fuel efficiency. JetBlue’s growth in its existing Ecuador market advances the airline’s leadership position in Latin America and the Caribbean where it serves nearly 40 destinations.

New Flying Opportunities with Comfort and Connectivity

The A321neo – the newest aircraft type to join JetBlue’s growing fleet of more than 250 aircraft – boasts a 20% increase in fuel efficiency which results in an extended range of some 500 nautical miles. The extended flying capabilities of the A321neo opens up a host of new markets which JetBlue’s existing fleet could not serve with nonstop flights. Additionally, each JetBlue Airbus A321neo will be powered by two Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, which produce a smaller noise footprint and lower operating costs when compared with today’s engines.

Inside the aircraft, JetBlue’s award-winning comfort and connectivity will be the focus of the onboard customer experience. The A321neo will feature the Collins Meridian seat — which is the widest seat available for the single aisle Airbus family of aircraft – with enhanced cushion comfort, adjustable headrests, power connections at every seat and the most legroom in coach (b). Inflight entertainment will be powered by Thales AVANT and ViaSat-2 connectivity. With this system – featuring 10.1 inch, 1080P high definition screens, more than 100 channels of live television with DVR-like pause and rewind functionality, picture-in-picture function and more – JetBlue will offer customers expanded entertainment choices in nearly every region the airline flies (c). JetBlue is the only major U.S. airline with seatback entertainment screens at every seat on every aircraft.

Expanding Service in Ecuador

JetBlue will launch new service between New York-JFK and Guayaquil starting December 5, 2019, pending government approval. Flights will operate daily and the new route will become the longest in the JetBlue network, stretching beyond today’s longest route by more than 200 nautical miles. Today, the existing New York-Guayaquil market suffers from high fares and limited connecting flight choices. JetBlue aims to bring affordable fares to the market while also offering the only nonstop service by a major U.S. airline between the two cities. JetBlue will announce details of when seats will go on sale soon.

Schedule between New York (JFK) and Guayaquil (GYE)
Beginning December 5, 2019


JFK – GYE Flight #1769			GYE – JFK Flight #1770
2:00 p.m. – 9:04 p.m.			10:55 p.m. – 5:13 a.m. (+1)

Home to more than two million people, Guayaquil is buzzing with colorful cityscapes, outdoor gardens and zoos. The city is also a convenient gateway to the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands. With quick and easy flight access from Guayaquil, travelers can get up close and personal with wildlife while surrounded by unique landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world.

JetBlue has already seen success in Ecuador. The airline first launched daily service between Fort Lauderdale and Quito in 2016 and will add a second daily seasonal flight on the route this summer. Existing service between Fort Lauderdale and Guayaquil launched February 2019.

(a)		Subject to receipt of government operating authority.

(b)		JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach based on average fleet-wide seat pitch for U.S. airlines.

(c)		Fly-Fi and live television are available on all JetBlue-operated flights. On ViaSat-2 equipped aircraft, Fly-Fi will not be available on portions of some routes, and live television will not be available while operating outside of the contiguous U.S., or until the aircraft returns to the coverage area. On all other aircraft Fly-Fi and live television will not be available while operating outside of the contiguous U.S., or until the aircraft returns to the coverage area.

American Airlines introduces its new Airbus A321neo

American Airlines introduced customers to its new Airbus A321neo on Tuesday, welcoming its newest aircraft into the youngest fleet among U.S. network airlines.

The first flight was American Flight 682 from Phoenix (PHX) to Orlando, Florida (MCO). Other routes will be added this year as additional A321neos join the fleet.

American’s A321neo gives customers a fully connected onboard experience. It includes power at every seat and free wireless entertainment and live TV streamed right to each customer’s own device. For those who want to stay connected to work or use their own streaming services, the aircraft has high-speed Wi-Fi from gate to gate along with built-in seatback holders for tablets and phones.

N400AN, American’s first Airbus A321neo, ready for departure at PHX gate B14

American today offers more power outlets on mainline aircraft than any other airline.

With 196 seats, including 129 in Main Cabin, the neo has room for everyone. The aircraft offers 47 extra-legroom Main Cabin Extra seats, more than any of American’s other domestic aircraft. It also features 20 first class seats, four more than the airline’s earlier A321s, as American continues to make significant investments in the premium travel experience.

“We worked closely with Airbus to develop this cabin configuration with the features our customers want, including the Airbus XL overhead bins, which are the largest available for this aircraft and hold 65 percent more bags than our earlier A321s,” said Janelle Anderson, Vice President of Marketing for American. “Today’s flight is a culmination of years of planning and work to make sure this plane is a good fit for everyone onboard, and we think customers and team members are going to love it.”

American has ordered a total of 100 A321neos. The fuel-efficient aircraft is powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines and is ETOPS-certified for over-water flights.

Photos: American Airlines.

Wizz Air takes delivery of its first Airbus A321neo

Wizz Air, the largest Central and Eastern European low cost carrier, has taken delivery of its first of 184 A321neo aircraft on order at an event in Hamburg, with József Váradi, CEO Wizz Air and Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

The new generation aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and features the widest single aisle cabin with 239 seats in a single class configuration and offers operators maximum flexibility, fuel efficiency and low operating costs.

Wizz Air is an all Airbus operator, with more than 100 A320 Family aircraft operating all around Europe with 261 more to be delivered. With 184 of the larger A321neo aircraft on order, Wizz Air is the largest Airbus customer worldwide of the type.

Photos: Airbus.

American Airlines welcomes its first Airbus A321neo – N400AN

American Airlines has made this announcement:

After an 8 1/2-hour nonstop journey from Hamburg, Germany (XFW), the newest member of the American Airlines fleet has landed.

N400AN, American’s first Airbus A321neo, touched down at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) shortly before noon February 1. After clearing customs, the plane will head to American’s Base Maintenance facility at PIT, where it will spend a couple of weeks undergoing the usual extensive acceptance checks conducted whenever the airline adds a new aircraft type to its fleet. The Tech Ops – PIT team will install ViaSat satellite Wi-Fi, conduct general ops checks and add interior and exterior placards as they customize the aircraft for American. After that, it will visit other American bases before entering service.

The A321neo is scheduled to begin flying customers April 2 between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Arizona and Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida.

Once the company takes more deliveries, additional routes will include PHX–Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) in Alaska over the summer, and PHX and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Hawaii later this year as the A321neo begins to replace retiring Boeing 757s. The A321 is already a versatile aircraft, and the A321neo (which stands for “new engine option”) adds about 400 nautical miles in range thanks to improved fuel burn from the new engines, putting additional destinations within reach.

American has ordered 100 of these jets with deliveries running over the next several years. They seat 196 customers and, in addition to the fast Wi-Fi, include power at every seat and free wireless entertainment to each customer’s own device including free live television. Additionally, American is the launch customer for Airbus’ new XL overhead bins which significantly increase capacity. The A321neo is American’s first aircraft delivered with these bins and the company will begin retrofitting existing A321s with this same bin later this year.

American is taking the “Cabin Flex,” or “NX,” option of the A321neo, which has a new door configuration. The A321neo is part of the order for 460 aircraft placed by American in 2011, which also included 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The aircraft from that order have transformed American’s fleet into the youngest among U.S. network airlines.