Asiana signs LOI for 25 A321neo aircraft
Asiana Airlines has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Airbus for the purchase of 25 A321neo.
Seating 180 passengers in a two-class layout, the new aircraft will be operated on the carrier’s regional services, as well as on selected domestic routes. The South Korean carrier will make a decision on its engine of choice for the aircraft at a later date.
The A321neo will join an existing fleet of A320 Family aircraft operated by Asiana and its low cost subsidiary Air Busan, with the A321 set to become the primary single aisle type at both units.
“The A320 Family is a proven success with Asiana Airlines and Air Busan, combining reliability, excellent operating economics and superior passenger comfort,” said Kim Soo Cheon, president & CEO, Asiana Airlines.
“With the A321neo we will be able to look forward to even greater levels of efficiency, with a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and increased flying range. The acquisition of the A321neo underscores our strategy to operate only the most modern and efficient aircraft that the industry has to offer.”
Asiana currently operates 33 Airbus singe aisle aircraft, 15 widebody A330-300s and two double deck A380s. In addition to its newly announced commitment for the A321neo, the airline has outstanding orders for four more A380s and 30 A350 XWBs for operation on its long haul network. Air Busan currently operates nine A320 Family aircraft on its domestic and regional services.
