EGYPTAIR has taken delivery of their first Airbus A321neo from Airbus’ Delivery Center in Hamburg, becoming the first African operator of the type. The aircraft is on lease from AerCap and is powered by CFM engines.
On Monday (February 27, 2023), Airbus announced the delivery of EGYPTAIR’s first Airbus A321neo from the Airbus Delivery center in Hamburg, making the carrier the first operator of the type in Africa. The new A321neo is on lease from AerCap and is powered by CFM International Engines. EGYPTAIR has selected a two-class configuration with 16 Business Class seats and 166 Economy Class seats, and the aircraft will increase the carrier’s single-aisle capacity to the Middle East, Africa and Europe. The A321neo is the largest-fuselage A320neo Family member, and delivers a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions per seat, compared to previous generation competitor airplanes.
The new A321neo joins EGYPTAIR’s Airbus fleet of 12 A220s, eight A320neos, two A320ceos, four A330-200s, and four A330-300s. The delivery flight from Hamburg to Cairo was powered by a 34 percent SAF blend. Made from feedstocks from used fat, oil and grease, to municipal and forestry waste, SAF delivers a lifecycle reduction of CO2 emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional aviation fuel. Currently, all Airbus commercial aircraft are capable of operating with an up to 50 percent SAF blend mixed with kerosene. Since March 2021, Airbus has successfully accomplished 100 percent SAF test flights on A319neo, A350 and A380 aircraft, and the company has targeted certification for 100 percent SAF use by the end of this decade.
Source: Airbus