North American carrier Air Transat has confirmed the delivery of the first of 15 new Airbus A321LR airplanes they have on order. The Montreal-based airline will introduce all 15 of the new aircrafts within the next three years.

A321LR-Air-Transat
Air Transat's A321LR. Photo: Airbus

Their shiny new A321LR, MSN 8755, arrived in Montreal on May 3rd, having flown directly from Hamburg to the customer. Registered as C-GOIE, it will be the first A321LR in North America, and marks an important milestone for the airline, and for Airbus too.

Annick Guérard, Chief Operating Officer at Transat, said in a press release,

“The arrival of this new generation of aircraft is an important moment for our company and our passengers in many respects. The Airbus A321neoLR represents what Air Transat stands for today and what we strive for in the coming years. It reinforces our position as a leader in sustainable tourism, while also offering our passengers a superior on-board experience. In addition, the aircraft’s long range will optimize our operations in our core markets, namely in our destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.”

The second A321LR is due to be delivered in June, with four more coming in the Autumn. By 2022, the carrier will operate an all-Airbus fleet.

Why order new aircraft?

Air Transat's new A321LRs are being supplied by long-term lessor AerCap. They are destined to replace the carrier's outdated Airbus A310s. By 2022, the airline aims to phase out all of these older widebody planes.

Air Transat joins other major airlines such as Qatar Airways, Aer Lingus and TAP Air Portugal in receiving the first of the new airplanes. These new models will reduce emissions, employ cutting-edge technology and, importantly, have a low operating cost.

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TAP have also received an A321LR. Photo: Airbus

With a range of up to 7,400km, the jets are ideal for transatlantic routes. Since many of the Canadian carrier's markets include Central and South America, the Caribbean and European destinations, the move also means that Air Transat will be able to expand on their thing, long haul operations.

A321LR features

The A321LR is an enhanced version of the A321neo, consisting of 199 seats arranged in two classes. 187 of these seats can be found in Economy Class and feature comfortable seats, more personal space and an exciting entertainment system with larger touch screens than before.

The 12 natural leather seats in Premium Club Class are located in a separate, exclusive cabin. Personalised service and even wider seats make for a luxurious in-flight experience.

Air Transat CLub Class
Air Transat Club Class. Photo: Air Transat

Airbus and Air Transat worked in unison to offer the best possible aviation experience for passengers in an entirely re-designed cabin. Soothing mood lighting supports rest and reduces jet lag, and passengers will also have access to individual power outlets.

The aircraft is also recognised as a leader in efficiency and sustainability. This energy efficiency features a 50% noise reduction in comparison with previous, older models. As sustainability continues to become an increasingly important aspect in aviation, the carrier also boasts 30% less fuel consumption per seat.

Air Transat

Air Transat, named the world's best leisure airline in 2018, flies to over 60 destinations in more than 25 countries in Europe and the Americas. Since most of their routes are medium to long haul, the lease of 15 A321LRs makes perfect sense.

Domestic flights, and feeder flights within Canada, are also a key feature of the airline's aviation strategy. Five million passengers use Canada's leading leisure airline each year.