The first Airbus A321neo was delivered to Virgin America on Thursday.
Virgin America Airbus A321neo – Image, Airbus
This is the newest certified member of the Airbus A320neo family, and the largest of the type. Virgin America is leasing 10 A321neo aircraft from GECAS and are powered with CFM International LEAP-1A engines. There will be 185 seats aboard the plane when loaded.
Virgin America therefore is “First to fly” the A321neo.
Currently, Virgin America (part of Alaska Airlines) operates a fleet of 53 Airbus A320 and 10 Airbus A319.
Virgin America President Peter Hunt states:
“The new A321neo – the third member of the Airbus A320 Family to join our Virgin America fleet – will allow us to further reduce our unit costs and enable us to further reduce our carbon emissions.”
Virgin America will be intending to use the A321neo initially on its San Francisco to Washington-National service. Entry into service due on the 31st May 2017.
For Airbus, it’s another step forward for the A320neo programme, with two variants of the A320neo now flying with customers. It’s also a time to prove to Virgin America (and Alaska Airlines) if a dual-fleet is right for combined airline… or not.
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