The A321s with new engine options are 15% more efficient.
The first of Air New Zealand’s new fleet of A320 and A321 aircraft will be flying by mid-November on international and domestic routes.
Air New Zealand has ordered a total of 20 aircraft worth $2.8 billion, comprising seven A321neos (new engine option) and six A320neos to replace the A320 fleet on Tasman and Pacific Island services, and a further seven A321neos for anticipated domestic network growth.
A new cabin layout for the international aircraft will have 165 seats on the A320neos while the longer A321neos will offer 214 seats – 46 more than the existing international A320 fleet.
Air New Zealand chief executive officer Christopher Luxon says the arrival of the new fleet is a significant step in its short-haul operations of up to 240 flights a week to Australia and the Pacific Islands.
In-flight enhancements include wider leather upholstered seats, 25% more overhead locker space and a larger 10in screen for the entertainment system. This will also have USB charging points and wi-fi connectivity.
Extensive testing
“We extensively tested and refined the neo inflight experience with customers to ensure we could incorporate their feedback while meeting regulatory and operating requirements,” Mr Luxon says.
On the technical side, the new generation engines, Sharklet wing tip devices and approximately 25% more seats will make the A321 neos 15% more efficient than the aircraft they replace.
A second A321neo is also expected to enter service in November, while the airline’s first A320neo is scheduled for February 2019.
The remaining aircraft will follow at intervals through until late 2019. The additional A321neos for the airline’s domestic network are expected to be delivered from 2020-24.
Bookings on the new models are now available for travel from November 12.
