By Rafiq Vayani
SHARJAH: Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC), received today its first Airbus (A321neo Long Range). The aircraft flew nonstop from Airbus’s facility in Hamburg to Sharjah International Airport.
Air Arabia is the first Middle Eastern airline to operate the A321neo LR and this delivery is the first of six aircraft that will join Air Arabia’s fleet that comprises of 53 A320 Family aircraft serving more than 155 routes across the globe from four hubs in the UAE, (Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah), Morocco and Egypt. The addition of the A321neo LR will enable Air Arabia to expand to new medium-haul markets in addition to strengthening the existing routes with increased seat capacity.
Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said: “We are glad to welcome the first A321neo LR to our fleet, which marks another milestone in Air Arabia’s journey. The addition of this new aircraft allows us to expand our service to farther and newer destinationswhile remaining loyal to our low-cost business model. We look forward to receiving the remaining aircraft in 2019 as we continue to offer our customers an excellent product with more destinations to discover”.
Air Arabia’s new A321neoLR, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, accommodates 215 passengers and is equipped with Air Arabia’s new state of the art cabin interior that was launched as part of Air Arabia’s new brand identity unveiled in October last year. The new cabin interior includes new generation of seats providing extra comfort onboard while maintaining Air Arabia’s known generous seat pitch.
The A321neo LR builds on the success of the A321neo and provides additional flexibility as it has the longest range of any single-aisle airliner, enabling airlines to tap into new markets previously not accessible.
Air Arabia Group has now grown to become a leading publicly listed company consisting of airlines and businesses providing travel and tourism services across the globe.
