UAE-based Air Arabia, the low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa region, announced that it has received its first Airbus A320neo aircraft, a step that marks the start of deliveries under the order for 120 A320 family aircraft that the company signed with Airbus in 2019.
The new A320neo joins Air Arabia's current fleet of 83 Airbus A320 family aircraft, marking the beginning of the delivery schedule for the 120 aircraft in its order with Airbus, which includes 73 A320neo, 27 A321neo and 20 A321XLR aircraft, according to a press release published on the Air Arabia website.
This step reflects the company's commitment to its long-term strategic vision, which aims to expand its network of destinations and promote more efficient and sustainable operations, as well as consolidate its presence in key markets.
The company received its new aircraft at a special ceremony held at Sharjah International Airport, attended by Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia; Sheikh Khalid bin Essam Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation; Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority; and Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, along with a number of department heads from the airline, the airport and other sectors.
For his part, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, explained that receiving the first A320neo aircraft under the company's order with Airbus represents an important step toward strengthening the company's current fleet and developing its operations.
The new aircraft is scheduled to join the company's fleet and enter service on October 1, with its first flight from Sharjah to the Thai capital, Bangkok.
The new aircraft received today is part of the company's second direct order with Airbus, after the first in 2007, which included 49 A320 aircraft. The new order will help support the operations of the Air Arabia Group across all its current operating hubs in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Morocco, Egypt and Pakistan ("Fly Jinnah"), enhancing its operational efficiency and meeting growing demand for low-cost travel. Additional batches of aircraft are also expected to be delivered by the end of this year to support fleet growth and the company's continued expansion.
The new A320neo is powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines and is fitted with Airbus Sharklet wingtip devices, which reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 20%, supporting Air Arabia's commitment to sustainability while continuing to deliver outstanding operational performance and low-cost travel options for passengers.
In line with Air Arabia's current fleet, the cabin of the new aircraft has 174 seats, offering passengers extra comfort with more legroom than any other economy cabin, and with a flight range of up to 6 hours, the new aircraft offers greater flexibility to reach new destinations.
To view the post on the Air Arabia website, click here.
