Thai AirAsia has taken delivery of a new type of aircraft that will allow it to carry more passengers and reduce its carbon emissions.
The new Airbus A320neo is the latest version of the popular single-aisle aircraft that forms the backbone of the AirAsia fleet. Equipped with new engines and a series of aerodynamic improvements, including the distinctive “Sharklet” wingtips, the A320neo produces approximately 5,000 fewer tons of CO2 emissions per year, with a 15% reduction in fuel burn.
To further increase the efficiency of the aircraft, the A320neo can carry more passengers than the standard A320 – 186 compared to 180. This has been achieved with a reconfiguration of the cabin, allowing an extra row of seats to be added without reducing legroom.
“The technology featured on this aircraft not only reduces its energy consumption but also trim down greenhouse gas emissions by 5,000 tons per year for each aircraft,” said Preechaya Rasametanin, executive vice president of Thai AirAsia. “It also features lower level of noise in its cabin, allowing for a near-silent flight once it reaches cruising altitude.
“When our fleet acquires more A320 neo planes in the future, we will achieve very significant reduction in our energy consumption. This truly asserts our leadership in the area of aviation innovation,” he added.
The new arrival also marks a significant milestone in Thai AirAsia’s history, becoming the low-cost carrier’s 50th aircraft.
In total, the AirAsia group has ordered 300 A320neos and 100 larger A321neos. These stretched aircraft will further boost the LCC’s capacity, handling up to 236 passengers per flight.
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