Middle Eastern budget carrier Air Arabia is preparing to put its first Airbus A320neo into operation, having taken delivery of the jet as part of an agreement covering 120 aircraft.
Air Arabia will deploy the A320neo – powered by CFM International Leap-1A engines, and featuring a single-class 174-seat configuration – for a Sharjah-Bangkok service on 1 October.
The Sharjah-based airline has 73 A320neos on order, along with 27 A321neos and 20 of the long-range A321XLR.
It already has a fleet of 83 Airbus single-aisle jets which comprise 74 older A320s plus nine A321s – of which six are A321LRs.
Over half of its aircraft, nearly 50, are stationed in Sharjah. Some 20 more are split between its Abu Dhabi and Moroccan operations, with the rest in Egypt, Pakistan and Ras Al Khaimah.
The carrier placed its fleet-modernisation order in November 2019.
While the air transport sector was subsequently badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, Air Arabia had indicated that the scarcity of production slots at the time of its order meant eventual deliveries would align with the recovery period.
“Over the years, our existing fleet and cabin configuration has supported reliable operations and passenger experience,” says Air Arabia chair Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammad Al Thani.
“Introduction of the A320neo will further enhance our operational performance and support our continued expansion into new markets.”
Air Arabia says the fleet renewal will support its entire multi-hub operation and complement its leased aircraft.
“Additional aircraft deliveries are expected by the end of this year,” it adds.
