Asiana Airlines brings in country's first A321 NEO
Asiana Airlines President Han Chang-soo, center, and other airline staff poses in front of the country's first A321 NEO at Incheon International Airport, Thursday. The aircraft is scheduled to service on short- to mid-range routes from September. Courtesy of Asiana Airlines
By Kim Hyun-bin
Asiana Airlines, Korea's second largest carrier, has brought in the country's first Airbus A321 NEO, the airline said Friday.
Starting September, the 188 seat aircraft is scheduled to be used for short- to mid-range international and domestic routes including Taiwan, the Philippines and Japan.
The aircraft left the Airbus production factory in Hamburg Germany, Wednesday and arrived at Incheon International Airport the following day. A ceremony was held, led by Asiana Airlines President Han Chang-soo and other airline staff.
The A321 NEO is the newest among the A320 class and has been highly rated by global airlines and passengers.
The model is 15 percent more fuel efficient and noise levels are seven decibels lower compared to other similar class models.
The aircraft will offer eight Business Class and 180 Economy Class seats.
“In 2017 we brought in the 311 seat A350-900 and now we have added the A321 NEO, which is the newest model that is more fuel-efficient and provides more comfortable seating,” an Asiana Airlines official said. “We will gradually replace our old aircraft to maximize profit and fuel-efficiency.”
Asiana Airlines also operates the A320, A321 CEO, A330, A350 and A380 models.