Transavia Airlines, a Dutch low-cost carrier and part of the Air France-KLM group, has recently taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo. This new addition, leased from Air Lease Corporation, signifies a significant step in Transavia’s transition towards an all-Airbus, latest-generation fleet. So let’s take a closer look at the news and why this is an important milestone for the airline.
Delivery of Transavia’s first A321neo
The plane was delivered officially on December 19th, 2023 from Airbus to Transavia. However, this is not a plane directly ordered by the low-cost carrier. It was instead part of the ALC (Air Lease Corporation) backlog. Therefore, it joins the airline as a dry leased plane.
The plane was officially handed over to the airline at Hamburg (XFW) where the A320 family assembly line is located. This was quite the short delivery flight as the distance isn’t all that big between Hamburg and Amsterdam. Flight time clocked in at only 55 Minutes with the plane entirely fueled by SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel).
Image from Airbus.com
The Transition From Boeing to Airbus
Throughout its operational history, Transavia has been recognized for its commitment to customer service and operational efficiency. The airline’s fleet primarily comprises Boeing 737 aircraft, as of December 2023. However, this is soon to change.
The arrival of the airline’s first A321neo marks the beginning of a radical fleet transformation. Transavia will be moving away from operating solely Boeing 737 planes to an all Airbus fleet.
Also, the transition from the 737NG to the A321neo will significantly upgauge the capacity of its fleet. The largest 737NG (the 800) it operated until now could carry a maximum of 189 passengers on a full load. The Airbus A321neo on the other hand will accommodate up to 232. A significant leap forward that will help serve congested and slot-limited airports.
Transavia Goes With The CFM LEAP Engines
One interesting aspect is the engines the airline chose to power the new A321neo with. They didn’t go with the Pratt & Whitney GTF engines but the CFM International LEAP-1A option. The reason in this case isn’t the issues that have been grounding the PW powered planes but the fact that the airline already has the knowledge, the skills, and infrastructure to service CFM engines as they also power the current 737NG fleet.
What Does Transavia do?
Transavia Airlines, renowned in the aviation sector, operates as a budget airline with a significant presence in the European skies. Established in 1965, this Dutch-based airline, a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group, has carved out a niche in offering low-cost, short-haul flights. With its primary bases at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and Eindhoven Airport, Transavia plays a pivotal role in connecting various European cities, offering an affordable travel option for both leisure and business travelers.
Add Comment