Aer Lingus takes delivery of its first A321LR

Ireland’s national carrier Aer Lingus has taken delivery of its first of eight A321LR aircraft, becoming the first airline in International Airlines Group (IAG) to operate the type. The aircraft on lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC: NYSE: AL) is powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines and configured in a two-class layout with 16 business and 168 economy seats.

The Dublin-based carrier will deploy the aircraft on transatlantic routes to the U.S. East Coast.

Aer Lingus currently operates a total of 50 Airbus aircraft, including 13 A330s and 37 A320 Family aircraft. The A321LR and the A330 combined within the same fleet is a powerful lever to cover the needs of the medium to long haul markets.

The A321LR is a member of the A320neo Family, with over 6,600 orders by more than 100 customers. It delivers 30% fuel savings and nearly 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. With a range of up to 4,000 nm (7,400 km) the A321LR is the unrivalled long range route opener, featuring true transatlantic capability and premium wide-body comfort in a single-aisle aircraft cabin.

Lufthansa Group firms up order for six more A320neo and three A320ceo

Takes Group’s order to 122 A320neo family aircraft and 273 A320ceo family

Airbus A320neo, Lufthansa, ©Airbus

Lufthansa Group has firmed-up a previous option for six further Airbus A320neo, following a decision by the company’s supervisory board at the beginning of May. The latest agreement brings Lufthansa Group’s total order for the A320neo to 122 (77 A320neo and 45 A321neo). In addition, the airline signed an order for three more A320ceo, bringing the Group’s A320ceo orders to 273. With a total of 395 A320 Family aircraft on order, the Lufthansa Group is also Airbus’ biggest A320 operator with nearly 400 A320 Family aircraft in service. Lufthansa was the launch operator of the A320neo.

“We are delighted to see this additional order from our biggest A320 operator Lufthansa Group”, says Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “Benefitting from the Airbus commonality and the A320 Family’s efficiency and environmental credentials such as reduced noise, lower fuel-burn and emissions, we are pleased the airline has decided to come back for more.”

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. With more than 6,000 orders received from 100 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market.