SKY Airline gets a new Airbus A321neo jet on long-term lease

Aviation Capital Group, a global full-service aircraft asset manager, confirmed the delivery of one new Airbus A321neo aircraft on long-term lease to SKY Airline. This jet features CFM International LEAP-1A engines and is the second of two aircraft scheduled to be delivered to the airline.

ACG specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and aviation finance. In addition to aircraft leasing services, we provide aircraft asset management solutions tailored to meet our customers’ fleet management needs. 

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Aviation Capital Group Announces Delivery of One A321neo to SKY Airline

-Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG), a premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, announced the delivery of one new Airbus A321neo aircraft on long-term lease to SKY Airline. Featuring CFM International LEAP-1A engines, this is the first of two aircraft scheduled to be delivered to the airline.

“We are very happy to support SKY Airline with the delivery of this A321neo, enabling it to expand its network and to have one of the most modern fleets in the Americas. When SKY Airline transitioned to the A320 family, the first A320ceo operated by SKY Airline was leased by ACG and after several years, we are proud to reinforce our partnership with the delivery of this A321neo,” said Armando Belchior Nunes, ACG Vice President Marketing for Latin and South America.

“We are happy to add a new Airbus 321neo into our fleet. We want to thank ACG for being once again a partner in SKY’s history, which allows us to continue expanding our network and having the most modern and efficient fleet on the continent,” said Juan Pablo Latorre, CFO SKY Airline.

ACG specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and aviation finance. In addition to aircraft leasing services, we provide aircraft asset management solutions tailored to meet our customers’ fleet management needs.

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Transavia to lease two new Airbus A321-200neo jets

Global leasing giant, Air Lease Corporation has confirmed this week it has agreed with Transavia on a long lease deal for two new Airbus A321-200neo aircraft.  

The jets are scheduled to arrive in late 2025 and early 2026 and these two new Airbus A321-200neos join seven A321-200neos ALC has leased to Transavia. The first ALC A321neo aircraft was delivered to Transavia in December 2023 and was the first A321-200neo to join the Dutch carrier’s fleet.

“ALC is pleased to announce this transaction for two additional Airbus A321neo aircraft with Transavia,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “Our nine A321-200neo aircraft will offer significant enhancements and efficiency to the airline’s fleet operations, as demonstrated by the first ALC A321neo that delivered to Transavia last year.”

In addition to the nine Airbus A321-200neo aircraft, ALC has ten Boeing 737-800s on long-term lease to the Dutch carrier.

Air Lease Corporation is a leading global aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing new commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. 

Transavia is a low-cost airline that for the past 50 years has taken great pleasure in flying passengers to over 110 destinations in Europe and North Africa. Transavia stands for accessibility and affordability: whether you are planning a holiday or a business trip, you will always find a flight that fits your budget. Transavia operates from the Netherlands and France.

Another big Airbus order from American Airlines.

American Airlines orders 85 additional A321neo aircraft

The U.S. mega carrier American Airlines, has signed a big firm order with Airbus for an additional 85 A321neo aircraft, this new order will mean the carrier has commitments for 219 of the type. 

“Over the past decade, we have invested heavily to modernise and simplify our fleet, which is the largest and youngest among U.S. network carriers,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “These orders will continue to fuel our fleet with newer, more efficient aircraft so we can continue to deliver the best network and record-setting operational reliability for our customers.”

“The continued investment in the A321neo is a testament to the unprecedented value of the world’s most versatile and capable single aisle aircraft,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus. “ For nearly two decades, American Airlines has used its A320 Family of aircraft, some of which have been produced in the U.S. in Mobile, Alabama, to grow its domestic and short-haul international network and provide an exceptional experience for its passengers and crews.”

American Airlines took delivery of its first A321neo in February 2019, and 70 have been delivered as of January 31, 2024. The airline is the world's largest operator of A320 Family aircraft, the world’s largest A321 operator (CEO and NEO) and the largest customer for the A321neo in North America.

Volaris gets a new Airbus A321neo on lease from Aviation Capital Group

The aircraft leasing giant, Aviation Capital Group has confirmed the delivery of a new Airbus A321neo aircraft to Volaris.

The jet is powered by the ultra-efficient Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, this is the second of four aircraft scheduled to be delivered to the airline as part of a multiple-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction between the budget carrier and ACG.

ACG specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and aviation finance. In addition to aircraft leasing services, we provide aircraft asset management solutions tailored to meet our customers’ fleet management needs. 

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Dutch carrier KLM reveals new A321neo livery

KLM will take delivery of its new Airbus A321neo in just a few more months, with Copenhagen, Berlin and Stockholm recently announced as initial destinations. The Royal Dutch airline also revealed further details about the new aircraft's livery and interior. The airline will commence operating the first of a total of around thirty A321neos in August.

The new livery – the aircraft's exterior paint scheme – is both eye-catching and practical: the dark line separating KLM’s trademark blue and white swoops farther down, rendering the nosedome completely blue. This will ensure that, in the event of an emergency replacement, a new nosedome can be fitted without disrupting the signature blue markings. Another new standout feature is the black outline around the cockpit windows, making them look like sunglasses.

More comfort

Passengers will experience a greater level of comfort thanks to the A321neo’s wider seats, larger tray tables and spacious luggage bins. Each seat is equipped with a tablet holder and a USB port, and there is multi-coloured "mood lighting" that adjusts at every stage of the flight. Crew members will also have more room for manoeuvre thanks to the wider aisle and easy-to-reach overhead bins. The A321neo interior was meticulously designed to enhance the KLM experience, with additional blue detailing and special lighting at the entrance to ensure a warm welcome.

Cleaner, quieter, more fuel-efficient

Preparations for the introduction of the new aircraft are in full swing. KLM will debut Airbus321neo operations in August.

Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM said:  "The arrival of the A321neo marks a major upgrade of our European fleet. It is 50% quieter and generates 15% fewer carbon emissions than the aircraft it is replacing, making this an important step towards cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient aviation."

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Another new Airbus jet for Spirit.

Spirit Airlines has taken delivery of one new Airbus A321neo aircraft on long-term lease basis from Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG), a premier global full-service aircraft asset manager.  The new jet is powered by ultra-efficient Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and is the fourth of four aircraft ordered from ACG and taken from their existing orderbook with planemaker Airbus.

ACG is one of the globe's leading aircraft leasing firms, with over 490 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of September 30, 2023, leased to roughly 90 airlines in approximately 45 countries.

The budget carrier recently celebrated twenty years of flying between the U.S. and Mexico, with its routes to  Cancun International Airport.  "For 20 years, we've been pleased to offer our Guests affordable, nonstop service to Cancun, making the popular beach destination more accessible and affordable with the opportunity to save on airfare while enjoying more of Cancun's tourist attractions," said John Kirby, Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. "We're grateful to Cancun International Airport and our Guests in Southeast Mexico for embracing our business model and trusting us with their travels for the past two decades."

Spirit currently offers nonstop service from Cancun to nine cities in the United States: Baltimore (BWI), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Houston (IAH), Orlando (MCO), New Orleans (MSY) and Philadelphia (PHL). 

EVA Air orders over 30 new jets from Airbus.

Taiwan’s EVA Air has finalised a firm order with Airbus for the purchase of 18 long-range A350-1000s and 15 single-aisle A321neo. This sees the airline become the latest global carrier to select the A350-1000 for its future long haul requirements. In addition, the A321neo aircraft will bring new levels of efficiency for the carrier’s regional network.

Clay Sun, President of EVA Air said: “We have selected the Airbus aircraft following a thorough evaluation of the various models in each market segment. In both size categories we have selected the most modern and fuel efficient types, that offer the highest levels of passenger comfort. The aircraft also bring significant reductions in carbon emissions, which is in line with our company’s sustainability goals. For long-range operations the A350-1000 sets new standards in its class and will allow us to offer our passengers the best possible in-flight experience.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, said: “This order marks a new phase in our relationship with EVA Air and we thank the airline for its confidence in Airbus. In the long range market, it’s another major endorsement for the A350-1000 as the natural replacement for previous generation aircraft in the larger widebody size category. The A350 is setting new standards across the board in terms of range, payload, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, while making an immediate contribution to reduced carbon emissions.” 

“We also thank EVA for reaffirming its commitment to the latest generation Airbus single aisle family with its first direct purchase of the A321neo and we look forward to working closely with the airline as it prepares for its new Airbus fleet.”

As the industry’s long-range leader, the A350 is available in two sizes, with the A350-900 typically seating up to 350 passengers in a standard three-class configuration and the larger A350-1000 seating up to 410 passengers. 

Powered by versions of the latest generation Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft can fly up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, using 25% less fuel than previous generation types and with a similar reduction in carbon emissions. For passengers, the A350 offers the highest levels of in-flight comfort with the quietest cabin, new lighting systems and the latest in-flight connectivity. The reduced cabin pressure also ensures that passengers arrive in better shape.

Sunclass Airlines takes delivery of its first Airbus A321neo

Before Christmas, the Danish leisure airline Sunclass took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo aircraft as part of its strategy to further improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The aircraft was delivered from the Airbus site in Hamburg, Germany.

By operating the A330neo and A321neo in parallel, Sunclass Airlines will become an all Airbus operator and benefit from the manufacturer’s unique commonality. The A321neo will provide Sunclass customers with a spacious and comfortable cabin experience.

The A321neo is the longest-fuselage member of Airbus’ best-selling, single-aisle A320 Family, comfortably flying as many as 244 passengers up to 4,700nm/8,700km in range. Featuring the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky, the A320neo Family offers at least 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 as well as a 50 percent noise reduction compared to previous generation aircraft, thanks to incorporating the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets for enhanced aerodynamics and performance. At the end of November 2023, the A321neo had received over 5,600 orders from more than 100 customers worldwide.

Transavia Airlines gets its first Airbus A321neo

Dutch low-cost carrier Transavia Airlines,  part of  the Air France-KLM group, has taken delivery of its first A321neo on lease from Air Lease Corporation. The aircraft was delivered from Airbus’ Hamburg production facilities taking advantage of Airbus’ option for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on its delivery flight to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. With this new aircraft Transavia becomes a new Airbus operator of the type.

This first A321neo marks the beginning of Transavia Airlines’ transition to an all-Airbus latest-generation fleet. Due to its lower fuel consumption and emissions, the A321neo will play a key role in the airline group’s sustainable development goals.

The newly delivered A321neo for Transavia Airlines seats 232 passengers in a single class layout. The cabin features Airbus’ Airspace XL bins. The larger bins provide a 40% more stowage space than previous ones for a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew. In addition, USB-C ports are available for passengers at every seat, and the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.

The A321neo is the largest member of the Airbus A320neo Family, offering unmatched range and performance. Equipped with sharklets and powered by new generation CFM International LEAP-1A engines, the A321neo delivers a 50 per cent reduction in noise footprint and 20 per cent reduction in fuel burn and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft.

To date the A321neo has captured more than 5,600 orders received from over 100 customers across the globe.

Air Lease Corporation Announces Delivery of First of Seven New Airbus A321-200neo Aircraft to Transavia

Air Lease Corporation announced one new Airbus A321-200neo aircraft delivered to Transavia. This aircraft is the first of seven new Airbus A321s confirmed to deliver to Transavia on long-term lease from ALC’s order book with Airbus and the first A321-200neo to join the Dutch carrier’s fleet.

“ALC is pleased to announce the first of seven A321-200neo aircraft delivered today to our longtime customer, Transavia,” said Grant Levy, Executive Vice President of Air Lease Corporation. “With these new ALC A321neos, Transavia will continue to excel by offering excellent and efficient service at affordable fares to its customers. We are honoured to introduce the A321-200neo to Transavia and look forward to continuing to assist the airline with its single-aisle fleet development for years to come.”

Transavia is a low-cost airline that for the past 50 years has taken great pleasure in flying passengers to over 110 destinations in Europe and North Africa. Transavia stands for accessibility and affordability: whether you are planning a holiday or a business trip, you will always find a flight that fits your budget. Transavia operates from the Netherlands and France.

Air Lease Corporation is a leading global aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing new commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. 

Danish carrier Sunclass Airlines gets two new Airbus aircraft on lease from ALC - one A321-200neo and one new A330-900neo

Air Lease Corporation announced this week that two new Airbus aircraft were delivered to Sunclass Airlines of Denmark, including one new A321-200neo and one new A330-900neo. Both aircraft were delivered to Sunclass Airlines this December on long-term lease from ALC’s order book with Airbus.

“We are pleased to announce the first of two A321-200neos and the first of three A330-900neos delivered to Sunclass Airlines,” said Steven Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “With these new ALC aircraft, Sunclass will continue to progress its fleet modernization program adding new generation widebodies and narrowbodies that offer the most advanced technology and efficiency.”

Sunclass Airlines A/S is a Danish charter airline that operates charter services from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. The company is affiliated with Ving Group, a Nordic tour operator.

Air Lease Corporation is a leading global aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing new commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions.

It is an ambitious and proud CEO, Valdemar Warburg, who a few weeks before his one-year anniversary in Sunclass Airlines, receives the second large Airbus neo aircraft says:  "Specifically, we in the Group have a goal of reducing the carbon footprint of our travels by 25 percent by 2030 and to reach zero emissions by 2050. And in this plan, fleet replacement is very central, which is why it is also very pleasing that we can now fly out of 2023 with as many as three neo-aircraft in the fleet – and that the entire replacement actually seems to be going faster than expected."

A330 Family | Airbus Passenger Aircraft

Air Lease Corporation confirms the delivery of a new Airbus A321 aircraft to LATAM Airlines

Today Air Lease Corporation confirmed one new Airbus A321-200neo aircraft has been delivered to LATAM Airlines. This A321-200neo aircraft is the first of eight new Airbus A321s confirmed to deliver to the South American carrier from ALC’s order book with Airbus. Two A321-200neos are scheduled to deliver to the airline from ALC in 2023 and 2024, followed by five A321 XLRs starting in 2025 through 2026.

“ALC is pleased to announce our first A321-200neo delivery to LATAM Airlines today,” said Steven Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “With this new A321-200neo aircraft, LATAM adds to the airline’s fleet modernization program by obtaining the most advanced technology aircraft to optimize and grow the carrier’s expanding international route network.”

LATAM Airlines is a leading airline in Latin America, the group has a presence in five domestic markets in the region - Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. In addition, it also flies international services within Latin America and to Europe, Oceania, the United States and the Caribbean. 

The group has a fleet of Boeing 767, 777, 787, Airbus A321, A320, A320neo and A319 aircraft. LATAM Cargo Chile, LATAM Cargo Colombia and LATAM Cargo Brazil are the LATAM group's cargo subsidiaries, having a combined fleet of 18 freighter aircraft, which will gradually increase to a total of 19 cargo aircraft by 2024. 

ITA Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus A321neo

ITA Airways has taken delivery of its first A321neo on lease from Air Lease Corporation from Airbus’ Hamburg production facilities.  This latest addition further consolidates ITA Airways' all-Airbus fleet strategy, which currently stands at 81 aircraft, and includes the latest generation A220, A320neo, A330neo and A350 aircraft.

ITA Airways’ A321neo,  which will serve the airline’s medium-haul routes, is fitted with a three-class configuration including 12 Business Class full flat beds with direct aisle access, 12 Premium Economy seats in 4-abreast, and 141 Economy seats of which 12 are dedicated to Comfort Economy.

ITA Airways' A321neo aircraft features Airbus' Airspace cabin design, which includes new XL overhead bins and customised interior lighting based on the latest full-LED technologies to help reduce jet lag. In addition, to enhance the passenger experience, each seat is equipped with the latest generation in-flight entertainment system with individual screens and on-demand content.

The A321neo is the largest aircraft in Airbus’ A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft. Having the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky, the aircraft is the perfect contender for maximising comfort.

To date, more than 5,500 A321neos have been ordered by customers across the globe.

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Massive 100 aircraft order for United Airlines

United Orders 110 New Aircraft with Deliveries Starting in 2028

New order builds on the early success of United Next strategy
 and includes 50 Boeing 787-9 and 60 A321neo aircraft

United also secures new options for up to 50 more Boeing 787s and new purchase rights for up to 40 A321neos at the end of the decade

The leading U.S. mega-carrier, United Airlines announced orders for 110 more aircraft for delivery beginning in 2028, building on the early success of United Next and adding additional flexibility for its long-term fleet.

Airbus A321neo

United converted previous options and purchase rights into firm orders for 50 Boeing 787-9s for delivery between 2028 through 2031, as well as 60 Airbus A321neos for delivery between 2028 and 2030. The company also secured new options for up to 50 more Boeing 787s and purchase rights for an additional 40 A321neo aircraft at the end of the decade.

"We're building a bright future at United and this order takes our already successful United Next plan into the next decade and beyond," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "Our planning and focus on the long term have helped us surge past other airlines that stood still. I'm convinced our strategy is the right one as we continue to add new, larger aircraft to take full advantage of our growing flying opportunities both internationally and domestically."

United expects to take delivery of about 800 new narrowbody and widebody aircraft between 2023 and the end of 2032.

Larger Aircraft to More Places

A key component of the United Next plan is growth in gauge, essentially flying larger planes with more available seats on the same route. Given that United currently operates out of the largest markets in the country - Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark/NYC, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. - upgauging also boosts overall connectivity domestically and internationally.

In 2019, United averaged 104 seats per North American departure, among the lowest in the industry. By 2027, United expects that number to jump more than 40% to over 145. United now has 180 A321neo and over 370 737 MAX aircraft on firm order through 2030, a combination that will drive the average seats per departure even higher on these larger aircraft, with even lower anticipated per-seat costs.

Fleet Flexibility

United's latest aircraft order starts at the end of the decade and can be used for fleet growth or replacement, depending on the demand and the economic climate at the time. And from a widebody perspective, the 50 incremental 787-9s that United ordered today will allow the airline to further simplify its international fleet – another benefit to customers and employees as well as an area of cost savings.

United is already the largest carrier across the Atlantic and Pacific. The airline now has 150 Boeing 787s on firm order – more than any airline in the world.

New Customer Amenities and Lower Carbon Emissions

The new aircraft in today's order will have the same customer amenities, technological innovations and fuel efficiency benefits as previous United Next narrowbody and widebody orders. For narrowbodies, these include seatback screens in every seat, enough overhead room for everyone's carry-on, Bluetooth connectivity, and fast Wi-Fi. And each new widebody features United Polaris® business class, where customers get their own pod with a lie-flat seats and 16-inch seatback screens. The airline recently announced new business class amenity products and services from Therabody and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Plus, these new aircraft will continue to reduce United's per-seat carbon emissions compared to the older models they replace, in line with the airline's expectation to be net zero by 2050 by reducing GHG emissions 100% without relying on traditional carbon offsets. According to Boeing, the 787 Dreamliner contributes up to a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions per seat compared with the airplanes it replaces and according to Airbus, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft.

United expects that 75% of its fleet will be new-generation by 2030.

LATAM Airlines takes delivery of its first A321neo, adds 13 more to orderbook

LATAM Airlines has taken delivery of its first A321neo leased from AerCap and placed an order for 13 additional A321neo aircraft to further expand its route network and drive its regional growth. This is the first delivery of a committed backlog of 76 A321neo aircraft. In total, LATAM has 111 A320 Family aircraft to be delivered.

The newly delivered A321neo for LATAM can seat up to 224 passengers and feature Airbus’ Airspace XL bins in the cabin. The larger bins provide a 40% increase in storage space and facilitates 60% more carry-on bags, allowing a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crews. The newly delivered A321neo flew to its destination with 49% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

“Our fleet renewal and modernization strategy is fully aligned with our sustainability commitment and brings us closer to the goal of becoming a carbon-neutral group by 2050,” said Ramiro Alfonsín, Chief Financial Officer of LATAM Airlines Group. “We will continue to work on enhancing the current fleet with next-generation aircraft to further improve our connectivity while caring for the environment.”

“We thank LATAM for their continued confidence in our aircraft, reselecting the A321neo for its continued network growth. This strategic move also accelerates LATAM decarbonisation trajectory as the A321neos are at least 20% more fuel-efficient, emitting 20% less CO2  and 50% less noise compared to previous generation aircraft,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling single-aisle A320 Family. The A321neo allows operators to cover the entire market, while offering the lowest seat-mile cost of any single-aisle available. To date, more than 5,200 A321neos have been ordered by customers worldwide.

LATAM Airlines Group and its affiliates are the main group of airlines in Latin America, with presence in five domestic markets in the region: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, in addition to international operations throughout Europe, Oceania, the United States and the Caribbean. Today, LATAM operates 240 Airbus aircraft and is the largest Airbus operator in Latin America. In July this year, LATAM took delivery of a new Airbus A320neo, the first delivery using 30% SAF.

Airbus has sold over 1,150 aircraft in Latin America and the Caribbean. More than 750 are in operation throughout the region, with more than 520 in the order backlog, representing a market share of 58% of in-service passenger aircraft. Since 1994, Airbus has secured 75% of net orders in the region.

In 2016, Airbus became the first aircraft manufacturer to offer customers SAF at delivery flights. Today, aircraft and helicopters leave Airbus delivery centres with SAF onboard. SAF has been identified as one of the key elements in helping achieve emissions reduction goals.

Pegasus takes delivery of its 100th aircraft

Pegasus Airlines’ 100th aircraft, called Cumhuriyet - which translates as Repblic,  in honour of the Turkish Republic's centenary, has landed at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The new Airbus A321neo features the silhouette and signature of Türkiye’s founding father Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on its tail.

Continuing to expand its fleet with new generation engine aircraft, Pegasus Airlines has taken delivery of its 100th aircraft, named Cumhuriyet in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye. The new Airbus A321neo, bearing the tail sign TC-RDP, completed its inaugural journey from Hamburg, Germany, landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport on Saturday, 30 September 2023, at 6pm. 

Mehmet T. Nane, Chairperson of the Board at Pegasus Airlines, and Güliz Öztürk, CEO of Pegasus Airlines, took delivery of the aircraft in person at the Airbus facilities in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft was specially designed to pay tribute to the centenary of the Turkish Republic, featuring the silhouette and signature of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on its tail. Cumhuriyet is the ninth of the 16 new aircraft scheduled to join the Pegasus fleet in 2023, marking the 100th aircraft so far and the 75th aircraft to be delivered as part of the Airbus order signed in 2012, which, through additional agreements over the years was extended to a total of 150 aircraft. 

In her statement, Güliz Öztürk, CEO of Pegasus, expressed great pride in receiving the airline’s 100th aircraft during the Republic's centenary: "We've now reached our 100-aircraft milestone with our new A321neo aircraft, Cumhuriyet. We are taking strong steps into the future with an extensive international network spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Caucasus, and across Türkiye from north to east to south and west. With our innovative, rational, principled, and responsible approach, we aim to be one of the industry’s leading low-cost airlines that streamlines air travel while offering affordable fares. 

"We are committed to continuing the transformation that we started in Turkish aviation 18 years ago."

 

Güliz Öztürk emphasised that all aircraft deliveries from 2021 onward consist of A321neo aircraft: "The A321 is widely recognised in the industry as a game-changer, featuring a distinct configuration compared to standard short-to-medium range commercial aircraft. These aircraft offer more capacity through a longer fuselage while maintaining an operational process that aligns well with our current structure. In essence, this allows us to provide higher-capacity services without complicating our operational setup. In this regard, we are yielding high value efficiencies.” She continued: “We are committed to continuing the transformation that we started in Turkish aviation 18 years ago and remain dedicated to excellence. With our aircraft that make up Türkiye’s most modern fleet, we will continue to work with all our strength for our country, our industry, our stakeholders, and our guests.” 

As of 25 September 2023, Pegasus' fleet consists of 100 aircraft, including 15 Boeing B737-800s, six Airbus A320ceos, 46 Airbus A320neos, and 33 Airbus A321neos, making it the youngest fleet in Türkiye with an average age of 4.5 years.

 

Cathay Group orders 32 A320neo Family aircraft

Hong Kong’s Cathay Group has announced the purchase of an additional 32 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft as it continues to invest in expanding and modernising its fleet. The agreement doubles the Cathay Group’s total orders for the A320neo Family to 64, of which 13 have already been delivered.

Hong Kong’s Cathay Group has announced the purchase of an additional 32 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft as it continues to invest in expanding and modernising its fleet.

The 32 additional aircraft will comprise both the A321neo and A320neo which will join the fleets of Cathay Pacific and HK Express. They will principally serve destinations in the Chinese Mainland and elsewhere in Asia.

Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer said: “Cathay is one of the world’s leading airline Groups and we are proud to be part of its recovery and growth plan.”

“Operating out of the Cathay Group’s base at the heart of Asia, the A320neo family will enable it to expand its services across the region with a most efficient single-aisle fleet and a positive passenger comfort differentiation. With a significant reduction in fuel consumption, the aircraft will also bring an immediate contribution to the Cathay Group’s sustainability goals.”

The A320neo Family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines, Sharklets and aerodynamics, which together deliver at least 20 percent lower fuel burn and CO2 emission savings. With more than 9,700 orders from over 130 customers, the A320neo Family is the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft.

Largest Eurowings medium-haul jet A321neo on more than 100 flights to Mediterranean and Canary Islands

D-AEEA has already flown holidaymakers to more than 16 holiday destinations.

Three more A321neo scheduled to join the fleet in the course of the year

The Airbus A321neo, the largest and longest Airbus medium-haul jet, which joined the Eurowings fleet around a month ago, has successfully completed its first 100 flights to the most popular holiday destinations in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. The flight programme for the first weeks included 16 different destinations. Flight EW9856 from Düsseldorf to Palma de Mallorca was the first flight with which the latest addition to the fleet, registration D-AEEA, entered scheduled service on 20 July. Since then, the long "Mallorca Airbus" has flown many thousands of travel-happy passengers to their holidays.

The "Mallorca-Airbus": Highly efficient and quiet

The Airbus A321neo is by far the most efficient and quietest short-haul and medium-haul jet in the world and is the most visible sign yet of more than 50 sustainability initiatives at Eurowings. The aircraft has a significantly improved environmental performance compared to previous generations: 50 per cent reduced noise emissions, up to 20 per cent less fuel consumption and equally reduced CO2 emissions.

The seating capacity for up to 232 guests earns the newcomer the nickname "Mallorca-Airbus" - fitting for the Cologne-based company's well-known "Mallorca Shuttle". In the summer season, the A321neo will be increasingly deployed towards the Balearic island to serve the continuing high demand for the most popular destination in the Eurowings network. The Lufthansa subsidiary flies to the island's capital Palma up to 400 times a week in the high season. With the A321neo, Eurowings is continuing its fleet modernisation. In the course of the year, the airline will take delivery of another three aircraft of this type - the addition of a further A321neo is planned for February 2024. Together with the seven A320neo aircraft, the neo fleet of Eurowings will then comprise 13 aircraft.

Airspace Cabin for even more passenger comfort

The luggage compartments of the new Airspace Cabin have a 40 per cent larger volume and can even hold 60 per cent more suitcases, as these can be stowed vertically in the compartments. Another highlight is the new flexible lighting system, which is geared to passengers' biorhythms depending on the phase of the flight and time of day and illuminates the cabin in either warm orange or cooler blue tones.

To underline the importance of the A321neo for the topic of sustainability, Eurowings has made a comprehensive documentation of the introduction of the "sustainability ambassador": With more than 30 different cameras in a wide variety of positions and using state-of-the-art drones, a film crew followed the transfer of the aircraft from the Airbus factory site in Hamburg Finkenwerder to its home base in Düsseldorf. Thanks to close coordination with German Air Traffic Control and DUS Airport, a video was created that provides completely new perspectives on one of the most modern commercial aircraft in the world and sets new standards in communicating the topic of "sustainability".

50 Airbus A320neos on order converted to larger A321neo model by Avolon

Avolon, a leading global aviation finance company, has signed a binding agreement for its order of 20 new A330neo aircraft from Airbus. The order firms up a memorandum of understanding signed at the Paris Airshow in June. The new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered between 2025 and 2028.

Avolon was a launch customer for the A330neo programme in 2014 and is enjoying strong customer demand for additional widebody aircraft having fully placed its current order book. With over 1,400 A330ceo aircraft in operation, airlines are considering options to upgrade to the A330neo aircraft, which has an increased range of range of over 13,300km (7,200 nautical miles) and 25% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The agreement with Airbus also confirms that 50 of the A320neo aircraft Avolon has on order with Airbus will convert to the larger A321neo model.

Andy Cronin, CEO of Avolon, commented:   “We see a high level of widebody demand within the delivery window for these aircraft. With our existing widebody pipeline already placed, these new aircraft will support our future growth plans and allow us to provide options for carriers looking to replace older A330ceo aircraft with the more fuel-efficient A330neo. The order builds on our strong relationship with Airbus as a launch customer for the A330neo, and our position as the leading lessor for this aircraft type.”

Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus commented:   “It’s fantastic to see Avolon once again commit additional investment in the A330neo aircraft and lead the lessor market reordering widebody aircraft. Avolon’s vision and timing could not be better with this commitment for a further 20 aircraft to its portfolio. Avolon will benefit from the strong wave of growth and replacements that we currently observe across all markets, and we welcome our continuing partnership with them.”