Airbus Updates No.2370

United Airlines orders 50 Airbus A321XLRs for transatlantic route expansion

United Airlines has placed a firm order for 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft as it begins to phase out older models and launches an expansion of transatlantic routes from its key U.S. hubs in Newark/New York and Washington D.C. United plans to take delivery of the first A321XLR in 2024 and expects to begin international service with the aircraft in 2025.

“The new Airbus A321XLR aircraft is an ideal one-for-one replacement for the older, less-efficient aircraft currently operating between some of the most vital cities in our intercontinental network,” said Andrew Nocella, United’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “In addition to strengthening our ability to fly more efficiently, the A321XLR opens potential new destinations to further develop our route network and provide customers with more options to travel the globe.”

“We are delighted to be re-United with our friends in Chicago and thank them for their trust. The selection of the A321XLR by the leadership of United Airlines is a ringing endorsement of the range, payload, and fuel efficiency that Airbus incorporated into this state-of-the-art aircraft,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “The exceptional versatility and performance of the A321XLR enable new operational efficiencies that flow to the airline’s bottom line.”

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step in the A320neo/A321neo family of aircraft, meeting market requirements for increased range and payload in a single-aisle aircraft, and creating more value for the airlines by enabling economically viable service on longer routes than any comparable aircraft model. It will allow service from the U.S. East Coast to a much larger selection of European destinations.

The A321XLR will deliver an unprecedented narrow-body airliner range of up to 4,700nm, with 30% lower fuel consumption per seat compared with previous-generation competitor jets. It will have a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 101 metric tonnes, while takeoff, climb, and flight performance will change little from the A321neo.

The A321XLR will be operated by the same crew, powered by the same engines and have the same cabin as the A321neo, with more than 90 percent commonality. Combining the A321neo’s two rear center fuel tanks into one adds fuel capacity and reduces structural weight. Other significant changes include structural reinforcements and modified landing gears for the increased MTOW, increased braking capability, higher tire speed, and additional flap and slat configurations.

With the Airbus Cabin Flex fuselage, the A321XLR will accommodate a variety of seating classes and configurations suitable for longer flights.

At the end of October 2019, the A320neo Family had accumulated more than 7,000 firm orders from over 110 customers worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1797

Aegean signs for 30 A320neo-family jets

• 28 March, 2018
• SOURCE: Flight Dashboard
• BY: Oliver Clark
• London

Aegean ‎Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding for the purchase of 20 Airbus A320neos and 10 A321neos.

The Greek carrier will also acquire a "significant number" of new A320neo-family aircraft from leasing companies, Airbus says, in detailing the commitment.

Aegean in its own statement discloses that it will take options on 12 more of the aircraft.

The Athens-based airline, an existing Airbus narrowbody customer, disclosed in September 2017 that it was in the process of deciding whether to order Boeing 737 Max or Airbus A320neos as part of a refleeting programme.

Eftichios Vassilakis, the carrier's vice-chairman, states that the decision to pick Airbus over the Boeing 737 Max followed an "intense and exhaustive evaluation to determine the best aircraft for Aegean's growth and long-term success".

Aegean expects to complete the deal in June and says it will make an engine selection in July.

Airbus Updates No.1631

Air Transat to become first North American Airbus A321LR operator

Ten Airbus A321LR aircraft will be joining the fleet of Canadian airline Air Transat, making it the first North American operator of the longest-range single-aisle aircraft in the world. Air Transat will lease the aircraft through a deal with AerCap, and plans entry into service starting in 2019.

The A321LR builds on the success of the A321neo, which has captured over 80 percent of the market share with more than 1,400 orders to date. The LR option extends the aircraft’s range to up to 4,000 nautical miles and brings with it a 30-percent reduction in operating cost compared to its nearest competitor.

“This is an ideal aircraft for the North American market, and particularly for a carrier like Air Transat,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer-Customers. “It gives operators a highly efficient and affordable modern option for their transatlantic routes, and we look forward to other North American carriers following Air Transat’s example.”

The A321LR enables airlines to access new long-haul markets that were previously inaccessible with current single-aisle aircraft. With 206 passengers in a typical two-class layout, the A321LR offers the possibility for each passenger to carry up to three bags.

The A320neo family incorporates the very latest technologies, including new-generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 15 percent fuel savings at delivery and 20 percent by 2020, as well as a 50-percent noise reduction. With more than 5,100 orders received from over 90 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.

Airbus Updates No.1625

Cebu Pacific orders more A321s

Seven A321ceo to meet growth on domestic and regional services

7 JUNE 2017 PRESS RELEASE

Cebu Pacific of the Philippines has placed an order with Airbus for seven A321ceo to meet ongoing strong growth on its domestic and regional network. The latest contract comes on top of an existing order for 32 A321neo. The aircraft will start joining the carrier’s fleet next year.

“We are very excited about adding the A321 to our fleet,” said Lance Gokongwei, Cebu Pacific President and CEO. “The aircraft will enable us to increase capacity on popular routes, while at the same time benefiting from the lowest operating costs in this size category. This will mean more low fares for more customers flying across our domestic and regional network.”

"We are pleased to sign this additional order with one of the most successful airlines in the Asian region,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “With the A321 Cebu Pacific will be able to respond to growing demand with the highest levels of efficiency. Carrying more passengers further, and at lower cost, the A321 is the perfect solution to meet the requirements of airlines worldwide in the middle of the market segment.”

Manila-based Cebu Pacific is one of Asia’s leading low cost carriers. Operating domestic, regional and long haul services, the carrier flies to over 60 destinations in Asia, Australia, the Middle East and the USA. The carrier’s in-service Airbus fleet currently comprises 36 A320s and four A319s flying on domestic and regional services, plus eight widebody A330-300s operating on high capacity regional and long haul routes.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line. To date, the Family has won over 13,000 orders and more than 7,500 aircraft have been delivered to some 400 customers and operators worldwide. With one aircraft in four sizes (A318, A319, A320 and A321), the A320 Family seats from 100 to 240 passengers. The Family features the widest cabin in the single aisle market with 18” wide seats in Economy as standard.

Airbus Updates No.1555

Vietjet to expand its Airbus fleet with new order for 20 A321s

Carrier also finalises services agreement to establish new training centre

6 SEPTEMBER 2016 PRESS RELEASE

Vietnam’s Vietjet has placed a firm order with Airbus for 20 A321 single aisle aircraft to meet growth on its domestic and regional network. The purchase agreement, covering 10 A321ceo and 10 A321neo, was signed in Hanoi today by Vietjet President and CEO, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President & CEO.

The signing took place during the state visit to Vietnam of François Hollande, President of France, and was witnessed by Mr Hollande and Tran Dai Quang, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

In addition to the new order, Vietjet and Airbus also finalised an agreement for the manufacturer to provide training services for flight crew and maintenance personnel at the airline’s new facility in Ho Chi Minh City. This will see Airbus oversee courses at the facility identical to those offered at the manufacturer’s own training centres.

At the signing ceremony, the President and CEO of Vietjet Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo ‎shared: "Vietjet is developing robustly and sustainably with an aim at better serving our passengers and promoting tourism and economic development in Vietnam and other regional countries. The friendly relationship in politics and culture between Vietnam and France has been nurtured through generations. Two countries are heading towards a more efficient economic cooperation of which today’s agreement of Vietjet and Airbus is a vivid example. We do take pride in and appreciate Airbus for their efforts and support since our operation. Thanks to our modern fleet with advanced designs, fuel efficiency as well as effective support in operations, training and system development, Vietjet will continue to realize passengers’ dreams of flying, to create a future in the air with an aim at making Vietjet become more and more popular globally.”

“We are pleased to sign our latest purchase agreement with Vietjet,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President & CEO. “Vietjet is benefitting from the very significant economies that come from operating a single aircraft family. For busier routes the A321 combines higher capacity with the lowest operating costs in its class, offering unbeatable efficiency.We look forward to developing further our partnership with Vietjet, including working with the airline to develop its new training facility.”

Vietjet first took to the skies at the end of 2011 and now operates a fleet of 40 A320 Family aircraft. Following today’s announcement the airline has placed firm orders with Airbus for a total of 119 A320 Family aircraft, including 54 A320s and 65 A321s.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line, with four models (A318, A319, A320, A321) ranging from 100 to 240 seats. To date, the Family has won more than 12,700 orders since launch and more than 7,150 aircraft have been delivered to some 400 customers and operators worldwide.

Airbus Updates No.1539

JetBlue orders 30 additional A321 aircraft

Order combines current and new engine types

26 JULY 2016 PRESS RELEASE

New York-based JetBlue Airways has amended its purchase agreement with Airbus to include an additional 15 Airbus A321ceo (current engine option) and 15 A321neo (new engine option) aircraft.  The airline, which already operates A321s, has not yet announced its engine selection for the newly ordered aircraft.  Beginning in 2019, JetBlue has the flexibility to configure the New Engine Option aircraft to the Longer Range version of the A321 – the A321LR.

“Airbus has been our partner since the beginning, and we are proud that our partnership continues today,” said Robin Hayes, president and CEO, JetBlue. “The A321 is an incredible aircraft that is delivering results for our business. We intend to deploy many of these aircraft to expand our successful Mint experience and our west coast presence.”

Many of JetBlue’s newly ordered A321 aircraft are expected to be delivered from Airbus’ newest manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama.  The first aircraft to be produced at Airbus’ U.S. Manufacturing Facility – a JetBlue A321 known as “BluesMobile” – is on public display today at the EAA AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  BluesMobile was delivered to the airline and entered service this spring.

“When we decided to build an assembly line in the U.S., we did it to help meet the increasing demand from our U.S. customers,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers. “The A320 Family is a market leader worldwide – one that has found particularly great success in the United States because of its economics, efficiency and comfort. We look forward to delivering more and more aircraft from our U.S. facility to our customers here in America.”

JetBlue currently operates a fleet of 160 A320 Family aircraft, including 130 A320s and 30 A321s. Including the order announced today, the airline’s backlog of Airbus aircraft comprises 116 planes: 25 A320neo, 31 A321ceo, and 60 A321neo aircraft.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with almost 12,600 orders since launch and more than 7,100 aircraft delivered to more than 320 operators worldwide. Thanks to their widest cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer unmatched comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard. With one aircraft in four sizes, the A320 Family, seating from 100 to 240 passengers, seamlessly covers the entire single-aisle segment from low to high-density domestic to longer range routes.