European aerospace giant Airbus has received orders for 103 A321neo aircraft in a bumper week for the airframer.
The early part of the week saw Viva Aerobus signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for 90 Airbus A321neo single-aisle airliners bringing the total number of orders for the airline with Airbus to 170.
“These 90 A321neo 240-seater aircraft will allow us to grow and renew our fleet and remain the youngest in Latin America. The technology and operational efficiency of the A321neos will improve our operational reliability, on-time performance, and provide an unmatched passenger experience.
“Additionally, we expect to drive further cost-savings which will reflect in lower airfares and strengthen one of our most important advantages: having the lowest cost in the Americas. The fuel-efficiency and noise reduction that the A321neo provides will advance our sustainability efforts by delivering immediate, tangible carbon emission reductions, thus enhancing our position as the most efficient airline in the continent,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, Chief Executive Officer of Viva Aerobus.
This was followed by an order from Icelandair, previously a Boeing operator, for 13 Airbus A321XLR aircraft making it Airbus’ newest airline customer.
Icelandair sees rhe A321XLR as an opportunity to venture into new market opportunities with a flexible and effecient airliner.
The single-aisle A321XLR can fly up 4,700nm with a 30% lower fuel burn than the aircraft it replaces.
“We are very pleased to announce that we have now finalized the purchase agreement with Airbus. The efficient A321XLR aircraft will further strengthen our business model, increase our flexibility and provide opportunities for future growth, as well as further support our sustainability efforts.
“The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2029 but we plan to have four Airbus aircraft in operation before summer of 2025 and have now secured the lease of new A321LR aircraft with our long-term partner SMBC Aviation Capital Limited” said Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair’s CEO.
The wings for all A321 variants are manafactured in the UK at Airbus’ wing manafacturing facility in Broughton, North Wales.
