A321 neo debuts at Virgin America

摘要

Virgin America has been revealed as the first recipient of an Airbus A321 neo, after the aircraft was formally delivered to the US carrier. The twinjet, leased from GECAS, is fitted with CFM International Leap-1 A powerplants, the second of the two A321neo engine options to be approved. While the rival Pratt & Whitney PW110OG-powered A321 neo was the first to achieve certification, none have yet been delivered. Airbus says the 185-seat Virgin America jet was handed over at a ceremony in Hamburg. Virgin America president Peter Hunt says the aircraft "will allow us to further reduce our unit costs". Virgin America, which has been acquired by Alaska Airlines Group, will put the aircraft into service on 31 May with a flight from San Francisco to Washington National.