Pegasus Airlines picks Lufthansa Technik to provide base maintenance services in Sofia

Multi-year agreement for more than 60 aircraft checks signed. 

Services will be performed within a dedicated overhaul line at Lufthansa Technik Sofia.

Pegasus Airlines has entrusted Lufthansa Technik with providing comprehensive Base Maintenance Services for its fast-growing Airbus A320 family fleet. The recently signed three-year agreement includes more than 60 checks on A320ceo, A320neo and A321neo aircraft of Türkiye’s second largest airline. All contracted services will be performed within a dedicated overhaul line at Lufthansa Technik Sofia.   

“The newly concluded contract and thus the long-term intensification of our cooperation with Lufthansa Technik gives us flexibility and at the same time guarantees our high quality standards,” said Şerife Akın, Senior Purchasing Director at Pegasus Airlines. “With our dedicated overhaul line at Lufthansa Technik Sofia, we are now optimally positioned for the coming years. It supports our goal to be one of the leading low-cost airlines in the industry, streamlining air travel and offering affordable fares to our valued customers.”

Marcus Motschenbacher, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Aircraft Maintenance Services at Lufthansa Technik, added: “We are pleased to offer our customers a top-quality service and to make a valuable contribution to ensuring the stability of their flight operations with reliable overhauls. We already have a close and trustful collaboration with Pegasus Airlines, which enables us to respond individually to their needs, and we are honored to expand our successful business relationship.”

CDB Aviation Delivers First of Two A320neo Aircraft to Beibu Gulf Airlines

                       CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., announced the delivery of the first of two Airbus A320-200neo aircraft on lease to a new Chinese airline customer, Nanning-based Guangxi Beibu Gulf Airlines - “GX Airlines”.

The first LEAP-1A26 engine-equipped aircraft was delivered to the HNA Group-affiliated subsidiary in July 2024, with the second aircraft anticipated to be received by the carrier in September 2024. With the addition of CDB Aviation’s two A320neos, Beibu Gulf Airlines will now have 17 A320 Family aircraft, including eleven A320s and six A320neos.

“We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with the HNA Group, while welcoming one of their subsidiary airlines as a new customer in China,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “These new technology aircraft, boasting lower fuel consumption and superior operating characteristics, will advance Beibu Gulf Airlines’ fleet growth.”

“China’s commercial aviation market demand is strong, while global aircraft resources are scarce. In this opportunity and challenge, Beibu Gulf Airlines is pleased to establish a friendly cooperative relationship with CDB Aviation,” said Li Rongkui, President of Beibu Gulf Airlines. “On the premise of continuously improving service quality, operational management capabilities, comprehensive service guarantee capabilities, as well as ensuring safety, Beibu Gulf Airlines will continue to introduce aircraft and open more routes to serve local economic development. We look forward to more cooperation with CDB Aviation in the future.”

lynas signs agreement for additional 75 A320neo Family aircraft and 15 A330neo

flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900. This strategic agreement will expand the airline's capacity, range and enhance its overall fleet capabilities.

Signed during Farnborough International Airshow in the presence of  President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, Chairman of the Board of NAS Holding Ayed Al Jeaid, flynas Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Bandar Almohanna, and Airbus Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft, Christian Scherer.

The new aircraft will join the carrier’s all Airbus fleet serving international, domestic and regional routes. The new A330-900 aircraft will boast a two-class configuration, accommodating up to 400 passengers.

"We are excited to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Airbus," said Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas. "The A320neo Family provides exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits, allowing us to offer unique, low-cost travel experiences. Additionally, the A330neowill enhance our long-haul capabilities with its advanced technology and efficiency while supporting our growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim program."

Berniq Airways orders six A320neo Family aircraft to support growth

Berniq Airways, Libya’s airline, has placed a firm order with Airbus for six A320neo Family aircraft. The airline already operates six A320s and intends to further develop its regional and international routes with the additional A320neo Family aircraft.

Waseem Ezzway, Chairman of Berniq Airways said, "We are proud to be the first airline in Libya to order the advanced A320neo Family aircraft. This significant investment marks a new chapter for Berniq Airways as we continue to lead the way in modernizing our fleet and enhancing our service offerings.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business said, “It is a pleasure to see Berniq Airways expanding its fleet with the world's best-in-class single-aisle aircraft. The A320neo family will enable Berniq Airways to provide its customers with unparalleled comfort while offering the airline exceptional economic advantages.”

The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft having won more than 18,000 orders from more than 300 customers around the world. The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the entire A320 Family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The manufacturer is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

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Avolon selects RTX's Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power up to 160 Airbus A320neo family aircraft

The agreement is Avolon's first direct GTF engine order

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, announced this week, that Avolon has selected GTF engines to power 80 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. The order means Avolon will have 158 GTF-powered aircraft in its delivered and committed fleet, with options for engines to power 80 additional aircraft.

This order represents one of Pratt & Whitney's largest transactions with a lessor for its GTF engines.

"We are building on our collaboration with Avolon, who remains at the forefront of the lessor community," said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. "GTF engines will provide Avolon's customers with unmatched fuel efficiency and the lowest carbon emissions available for single-aisle aircraft."

"These engines will power our large orderbook of A320neo family aircraft and put us in an excellent position to service our customers' narrowbody requirements out to 2030 and beyond," said Andy Cronin, chief executive officer at Avolon. "Engine innovation has been one of the key tools to lower emissions and support the industry's decarbonization journey. We value Pratt & Whitney's strong customer focus and are excited about leveraging their GTF engines to support the transition of our fleet to more fuel-efficient technology."

Avolon currently has a portfolio of 81 V2500-powered A320ceo family aircraft and 39 GTF-powered A320neo family aircraft in its delivered fleet.  Working with 142 airlines in 63 countries, Avolon has an owned, managed, and committed fleet of 1,029 aircraft, as of 30 June 2024. 

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units.

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SMBC Aviation Capital confirms an additional 42 Airbus A320neo family aircraft powered by RTX's Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines

 

One of the largest GTF engine lessors now owns, manages, and has firm commitments for 142 GTF-powered aircraft

Pratt & Whitney announced this week that SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the largest lessors for GTF- powered A320neo family aircraft, has exercised options for 22 firm orders. This is supplemental to a 2021 order for 20 additional firm aircraft, bringing the lessor's additional commitment to 42 firm A320neo family aircraft equipped with GTF engines.

SMBC Aviation Capital announced its initial selection for 50 firm Pratt & Whitney A320neo family aircraft in 2019, and currently manages a portfolio of 142 GTF-powered A320neo family aircraft. Today's announcement affirms the relationship between two global leaders in the aviation space.

"We appreciate SMBC Aviation Capital's continued confidence in Pratt & Whitney as we work together to deliver economic and environmental benefits for airline customers," said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. "These additional orders are a testament to the advantages this engine delivers as the most fuel-efficient, sustainable engine for single-aisle aircraft."

"SMBC Aviation Capital is pleased to confirm these latest technology engines reflecting our underlying commitment to invest in the most fuel efficient and sustainable aircraft types, which our customers want to operate," said Barry Flannery, CCO of SMBC Aviation Capital.

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Drukair adds Airbus A320neo and A321XLR aircraft to its fleet

Drukair - Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, a fully owned subsidiary of the state holding company Druk Holding and Investments Limited (DHI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 3 A320neo and 2 A321XLR aircraft to expand its international network. 

The new aircraft are anticipated to start delivery in 2030. The airline plans to fly these aircraft out of Paro International Airport and the new airport at Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), envisioned to become Bhutan’s futuristic economic hub. From here, Drukair will expand its connectivity to Europe, South East Asia and Australia. 

Drukair already operates four Airbus A320 Family aircraft consisting of three A319s and one A320. 

Based on His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s vision, GMC, located in the southern plains of Bhutan, is emerging as a new economic engine for the Kingdom. As the national carrier, Drukair plays a pivotal role in enabling the prosperity of GMC and Bhutan by efficiently and reliably meeting growing transportation and logistics needs. 

Tandi Wangchuk, Drukair CEO said, “We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter in Drukair’s history, which dovetails perfectly with the development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City and work to expand the Gelephu airport. Our investment in these state-of-the-art aircraft underscores our dedication to supporting Bhutan’s vision of holistic and mindful development.”

CDB Aviation leases three Airbus A320neo jets to Guizhou Airlines

The Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., CDB Aviation has confirmed the delivery of the first of three Airbus A320neo aircraft to a new Chinese airline customer, Colorful Guizhou Airlines Co.

The Guiyang-based carrier received the A320-251N aircraft during a delivery ceremony held in Tianjin, China, on June 14, 2024, which coincided with the ninth anniversary of the airline’s establishment. The aircraft is configured with four business and 168 economy class seats. The remaining two aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to the airline before 2025.

“This new partnership with Colorful Guizhou Airlines demonstrates our ongoing commitment to building and cultivating long-term relationships with airlines in all key aviation markets,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are confident that this new modern, fuel-efficient aircraft will greatly benefit Colorful Guizhou Airlines’ operations in support of the airline’s fleet expansion plans.”

“We are pleased to have successfully introduced our tenth A320neo aircraft. Not only is this an important milestone in the development of Colorful Guizhou Airlines, but also a crucial step towards our future. The newly joined aircraft will further enhance our capacity and operational efficiency,” commented Fanyu Liu, Colorful Guizhou Airlines’ Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee. “We are delighted to establish a good cooperative relationship with CDB Aviation, and we hope to continue to deepen communication, explore new cooperation opportunities, and jointly promote innovative development in the future."

“I would like to share my true appreciation for both the Colorful Guizhou Airlines and internal CDB Aviation teams for their outstanding collaboration on structuring and executing this transaction from our orderbook, facilitating our platform’s first delivery to the newest customer in China,” added Chen.

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CDB Aviation Leases Two New A320neos to New Customer Azerbaijan Airlines

CDB Aviation, has confirmed the execution of lease agreements for two Airbus A320neo aircraft with a new customer and one of the largest carriers in the Commonwealth of Independent States (the “CIS”) countries, Azerbaijan's national air carrier, Azerbaijan Airlines.

The A320-251 aircraft will be scheduled to be delivered in June and July 2025 and will support the airline’s fleet renewal strategy targeted to equip the carrier with the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft.

“This new partnership with AZAL is an important milestone for our platform, as it marks our very first transaction within Azerbaijan, as well as the addition of a new customer in the region,” commented Jie Chen, CDB Aviation’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are confident that the selection of these latest generation A320neo Family aircraft will further boost AZAL’s sustainable growth, providing passengers with excellent comfort throughout its fleet.”

“The signing of these two leases marks the start of our fleet replacement to the most modern aircraft and interiors. Our passengers will be delighted with what can be achieved in the NEO cabin, with their increased comfort and enjoyment. It’s been a pleasure working with CDB Aviation, and we look forward to taking delivery of the Airbus aircraft in the summer of 2025,” said AZAL President, Samir Rzayev.

“I would like to thank the AZAL and CDB Aviation teams for their excellent collaboration on both sides of this transaction and their outstanding efforts, hard work, and dedication in getting these lease agreements over the finish line,” added Chen.

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Saudi Arabia’s Low-Cost Airline Chooses Mix of A320neos & A321neos

flyadeal, one of the youngest and fastest growing low-cost airlines in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, today announced a landmark order for 51 narrowbody Airbus aircraft to fuel the next phase of its expansion plans. 

The historic agreement for 12 Airbus A320neos and 39 bigger capacity A321neos was signed as part of a wider announcement by parent Saudia Group for a record 105 aircraft order – the largest in Saudi aviation history. The announcement was made on the opening day of the Future Aviation Forum held in Riyadh last week. 

His Excellency Saleh Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, presided over the official signing by His Excellency Eng Ibrahim Al-Omar, Saudia Group Director General, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice-President Sales. 

flyadeal’s new fleet will support growth targets that will see a tripling in size from the current 32 all-Airbus A320neo and ceo variants to more than 100 aircraft by 2030, with its network reach rising sharply from 30 domestic and international destinations to over 100 within six years. 

Aviation Capital Group announces delivery of an Airbus A320neo to SAS

Aviation Capital Group, a premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, announced the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease to Scandinavian Airlines. Featuring CFM International LEAP-1A engines, this is the last aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline as part of a 12-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction between ACG and SAS.

Aviation Capital Group is one of the world’s premier full-service aircraft asset managers with approximately 480 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of March 31, 2024, leased to roughly 90 airlines in approximately 45 countries. It specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and provides certain aircraft asset management services and aircraft financing solutions for third parties. It was founded in 1989 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation.

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flyadeal Orders 51 Aircraft in Landmark Airbus Deal

flyadeal, one of the youngest and fastest-growing low-cost airlines in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, today announced a landmark order for 51 narrowbody Airbus aircraft to fuel the next phase of its expansion plans.

The historic agreement for 12 Airbus A320neos and 39 bigger capacity A321neos was signed as part of a wider announcement by parent Saudia Group for a record 105 aircraft order – the largest in Saudi aviation history. The announcement was made on the opening day of the Future Aviation Forum being held in Riyadh this week.

His Excellency Saleh Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, presided over the official signing by His Excellency Eng Ibrahim Al-Omar, Saudia Group Director General, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice-President Sales.

flyadeal’s new fleet will support growth targets that will see a tripling in size from the current 32 all-Airbus A320neo and ceo variants to more than 100 aircraft by 2030, with its network reach rising sharply from 30 domestic and international destinations to over 100 within six years.

Massive 105 Airbus aircraft order from Saudia Group

Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and flyadeal, the Saudia Group’s low-cost carrier, have signed a firm order for an additional 105 A320neo Family aircraft for their future route development.

This massive order comprises of 12 Airbus A320neo and 93 Airbus A321neo aircraft, which increases Saudia Group’s Airbus aircraft order backlog to 144 A320neo family aircraft.

The agreement was announced at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh in the presence of H.E. Saleh bin Nasser AIJasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: "Saudia has ambitious operational objectives to meet growing demand. We are increasing flights and seat capacity across our existing 100+ destinations on four continents, with plans for further expansion. The progress of Saudi Vision 2030 is attracting more visits, tourists, entrepreneurs, and pilgrims each year. This motivated our decision to secure this significant deal, which will create jobs, increase local content, and contribute to the national economy."

Delivery of a new Airbus A320neo for SAS

Aviation Capital Group LLC, the premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, announced the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease to Scandinavian Airlines (“SAS”). Featuring CFM International LEAP-1A engines, this is the tenth aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline as part of a multiple-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction between ACG and SAS.

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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Two new Airbus A320neo aircraft for flynas

The two Airbus A320neo aircraft arrived in Riyadh on 7th March and 14th March and will operate flights on the carrier's international and domestic route network. Six A320neo new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to flynas during 2024 which will further enhance the airline's schedule.

This growth in the number of new aircraft and increasing the seat capacity is part of flynas new strategic plan "We Connect the World to the Kingdom", which along with the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP). Times Aerospace reports the aims of these plans is to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques and the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting Saudi Arabia with around 250 International destinations. 

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SAS and the Norwegian armed forces signs new agreement for strategic evacuation

The Norwegian Armed Forces have on March 4 signed a new agreement with SAS for strategic air evacuation. The agreement ensures continued capacity for strategic air evacuation using SAS’ latest Airbus A320neo aircraft. This will follow the phase-out of the current aircraft and transition to the new agreement will take place in 2025.

The agreement between Norwegian Armed Forces and SAS consists of two parts: a cooperation agreement to design a A320neo based solution and an agreement covering operational assignments.

“We are honoured that the Norwegian Armed Forces have selected SAS for future evacuation missions, building on several years of joint assignments across the world. While the currently used aircraft has served us well, it is now time for the next-generation, lower-emission A320neo to continue these proud assignments together with our highly skilled and dedicated staff. Contributing to the safe transport of citizens across the world when crisis strikes is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we are grateful for the trust placed in us by the Norwegian Defense through this work,” says Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS.

The A320neo is a regular passenger plane and – once the new design is finalized – can be converted into a flying hospital, with medical equipment and hospital beds. SAS’ Airbus A320neo has around 18% lower CO2 emissions compared to the aircraft it replaces. Additionally, there is 30% less noise in these aircraft, creating a more favourable environment for evacuees and crew on board.

SAS has a 25-year history of taking part in evacuation assignments, with missions such as the tsunami in Thailand, and evacuation missions from Afghanistan, Moira refugee camp and Ukrainian patients.

JetSMART opts for Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power its latest order of Airbus jets

RTX subsidiary Pratt & Whitney, has revealed JetSMART has selected GTF engines to power an additional 35 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, including nine A321XLR aircraft. Pratt & Whitney will also provide JetSMART with GTF engine maintenance through an EngineWise® Comprehensive service agreement. 

JetSMART, an ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC), selected the GTF engine to power 70 A320neo family aircraft in June 2019. The airline also operates an additional 15 leased GTF powered A320neo family aircraft and a fleet of 11 A320ceo family aircraft powered by the V2500® engine.

"We are building upon our collaboration with JetSMART as they drive continued expansion in the Latin American market," said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. "With unmatched fuel efficiency, payload and range, GTF engines will enable JetSMART to open new routes across South America and fly more people, farther, with less fuel and lower carbon emissions."

BOC Aviation signs lease deal with Indigo for four Airbus A320NEO jets

BOC Aviation Limited confirmed this week that it has entered into a finance lease transaction involving four Airbus A320NEO aircraft with IndiGo. The aircraft are all powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines. All four aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2024. 

“We are pleased to be closing another four finance leases with IndiGo. We continue to work closely with our long-time customer to support its expansion strategy as it builds a fleet of latest technology fuel-efficient aircraft,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BOC Aviation. “This is our first transaction in the year of the dragon, and it sets the tone for the year as we continue growing our fleet by investing in latest generation aircraft and partnering with high quality customers.”  

“We are pleased to announce that we have extended our partnership with BOC Aviation through a lease agreement for four Airbus A320NEO aircraft. These aircraft will be instrumental in supporting our expansion plans and strengthening our position in both domestic and international markets. At IndiGo, we are dedicated to providing our customers with unparalleled travel experiences, and this partnership will allow us to continue delivering affordable, on-time, and hassle-free travel across our extensive 6E network,” said Riyaz Peermohamed, Chief Aircraft Acquisition and Financing Officer of IndiGo.

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Another new Airbus jet for SAS

             Aviation Capital Group, a premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, announced the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease to Scandinavian Airlines (“SAS”). Featuring CFM International LEAP-1A engines, this is the ninth of ten aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline as part of a multiple-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction between ACG and SAS.

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.

Transavia France takes delivery of its first A320neo

French low-cost carrier Transavia France, part of the Air France-KLM Group, has taken delivery of its first A320neo, on lease from Avolon, from Airbus manufacturing site in Toulouse. The airline has opted for the Airbus option to have the delivery flight to Paris-Orly powered by a sustainable aviation fuel blend on board.

The new aircraft features 186 seats in a single-class layout. Selected for its outstanding operational efficiency, reduced emissions and comfort, the A320neo will be deployed by Transavia France on its services on its domestic network as well as across its European and Mediterranean markets.

The introduction of its first A320neo aircraft marks the beginning of Transavia France' transition to become an all Airbus operator, powered by efficient A320neo Family aircraft. With its reduced fuel burn and emissions, the A320neo will play a key role in advancing the airline Group's sustainable development goals.

By incorporating new generation CFM International LEAP-1A engines and Sharklets, the A320neo brings a 50% noise footprint reduction and 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while improving passenger comfort in a wider single-aisle cabin.

The cabin features Airbus’ Airspace XL bins. The larger bins provide 40% more stowage space compared to conventional bins, for a more relaxed boarding. In addition, USB-C ports are available for passengers at each seat, and the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.

The A320neo Family is the world’s most popular single aisle having won nearly 9,800 orders from nearly 140 customers in all markets.