EgyptAir has become the first African airline to take delivery of an A321neo aircraft. The airline specified a two-class configuration of 16 business-class seats and 166 in economy class in the single-aisle aircraft.
The delivery flight of the aircraft from Hamburg to Cairo was powered by a 34% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend, which has been shown to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%.
The 20% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions per seat that is standard for the A321neo will give EgyptAir enhanced efficiency and help it deliver on its commitment to sustainability, while also reducing operating costs.
The airline plans to use the aircraft on routes to the Middle East, Africa and Europe, as yet unspecified.
Airbus’s A321neo aircraft has a maximum seating capacity of 244 passengers, however typical seating in a two-class layout has a capacity of 180 to 220 passengers. It has the longest fuselage of the A320 family, enabling airlines to utilise the Airbus standard of at least 45,7cm-wide seats. According to Airbus, the cabin width also offers the possibility for a wider aisle and plenty of overhead storage space.
