Melo Villareal
AirAsia first in Southeast Asia to operate Airbus A320neo aircraft powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines
AirAsia is not only deemed the best low-cost airline in the world, it is also the very first airline to operate the Airbus A320neo aircraft.
To officially welcome the aircraft, which is said to be powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines, a ceremony was held last Sept. 15, 2016 near Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Carrying the registration number 9M-NEO, the aircraft is crammed with a Space Flex Cabin in a bid to provide efficiency and comfort to consumers.
Will Result To Lower Fares
The Group CEO of AirASia Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said that this new aircraft has the capacity to produce 15 percent fuel savings plus extra range capabilities of 500 nautical miles. As such, this, according to Fernandes, will then translate to low fares.
He went on to say that there are also added seats installed into the aircraft, resulting to up to 186 capacity for each aircraft.
“We are thrilled to receive the Airbus A320neo, which will ensure AirAsia remains at the forefront of our business,” he said, “with one of the world’s youngest and most modern fleet.”
Fernandes also noted that the fuel savings on the A320neo can be translated into some 5,000 tonnes less carbon dioxide every aircraft per year. On top of that, it is expected that there will also be a significant reduction in engine noise along with the decrease in NOx emissions.
Meanwhile, Kiran Rao, Airbus’ Executive Vice President Strategy and Marketing, added that the A320neo is deemed “most efficient single-aisle passenger jet” across the globe. This will have a big role for AirAsia to keep its status as among the premier low-cost carriers in the world.
Allen Paxson, the Executive Vice President of CFM, in the meantime, is convinced that the benefits LEAP technology has to offer are expected to have a great effect on the airline’s operational efficiency. He also said that it will also contribute in the nonstop success of AirAsia.
Paxson further stated that CFM is honored to be part of the team. He also shared the firm’s excitement in entering the new phase of its relationship with the airline.
It is worth mentioning that from 575 aircrafts in the order book, the A320neo is AirAsia’s 172nd aircraft to be received.
