Aer Lingus has become the latest airline to formally take delivery of an Airbus A320neo – the first of this type for the airline.
This is the first of two new Airbus A320neo aircraft that Aer Lingus has leased from CDB Aviation, with the second aircraft also joining the fleet this week.
EI-NSA – named Saint Thomas – entered service today on the 28th of September operating Aer Lingus flight EI152 from Dublin to London Heathrow. The aircraft was originally assigned to Smartavia, but has been redirected to the Irish carrier.
To mark the Airbus A320neo’s first flight Aer Lingus will offset the carbon emissions from the flight of all customers travelling on board.
The aircraft will be part of Aer Lingus’ short-haul fleet, predominantly operating London Heathrow routes. They replace two previous generation aircraft, Airbus A320ceo, which will be retired from the fleet.
Aer Lingus also operate the new generation Airbus A321LR (itself based on the A321neo) which it utilises on long and short haul route.s
It’s a little busier in the aircraft too
Whilst no seating supplier has been disclosed, there is going to be a seating density increase – with 186 installed on the Airbus A320neo. This compares with 174 seats on an existing Airbus A320ceo.
Aer Lingus notes that the A320neo delivers up to 20% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions and close to 50% reduction in noise footprint when compared to previous generation aircraft A320ceo. The greater seat density will allow for lower fuel emissions per seat/passenger on board.
Although your knees may disagree with that opinion.
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