Air Cairo receives its first A320neo in Hamburg
Photo by: Airbus
Egyptian low cost airline Air Cairo on Monday took delivery of its first Airbus A320neo single-aisle airliner. The aircraft was handed over at the Airbus facility in Hamburg, Germany.
“The A320neo family incorporates the very latest technologies including new generation engines, Sharklets and aerodynamics, which together deliver 20% in fuel savings and (carbon dioxide) reduction compared to previous generation Airbus aircraft,” said Airbus in its statement. “The A320neo family has won more than 7 450 orders from over 120 customers.”
Sharklets are sharply upswept wingtips, which improve the aircraft’s aerodynamics. The suffix -neo in the aircraft’s designation stands for new engine option, meaning that it is powered by much more efficient engines of the latest generation. Air Cairo’s A320neo is powered by two CFM International LEAP-1A engines (the alternative power plant available being the Pratt and Whitney PW1100G-JM).
The airline has outfitted its new aircraft with 186 seats in an all-economy class cabin. It will use it on its regional and international networks, which embrace Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
The airliner has been acquired as part of Air Cairo’s fleet modernisation and expansion strategy. This is being accompanied by a programme of opening new routes.
The aircraft is being leased from Chinese lessor ICBC Leasing, which is part of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China group. Air Cairo is a subsidiary of national flag carrier EgyptAir, which reportedly has a 60% stake in the budget airline. The low cost carrier operates only Airbus aircraft, with a reported fleet of seven A320-200s (the new A320neo increasing the fleet to eight airliners).