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The A320neo (where neo stands for ‘new engine option’) with license plate OO-SBA was flown in on Wednesday from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, in the south of France. It is the first time in the history of Brussels Airlines that the company has received a brand new aircraft directly from the aircraft manufacturer.
The aircraft with 180 seats, intended for short and medium-distance flights, was welcomed at Zaventem with a water salute. A few adjustments are now planned, after which the aircraft will start transporting passengers within a few weeks.
Brussels Airlines has ordered a total of five A320neos. They should be delivered by the end of 2024. The new aircraft will replace older and smaller Airbus A319 aircraft in the fleet. “As a result, capacity increases, while emissions decrease. Emissions per passenger will decrease by 30 percent thanks to the neo,” a press release said.
“Modernizing our fleet is crucial to reducing our environmental footprint,” says Brussels Airlines CEO Dorothea von Boxberg. According to the airline, a neo aircraft uses up to 20 percent less fuel, emits less CO2 and is half quieter than the previous generation of aircraft. Brussels Airlines and its German parent group Lufthana want to halve their net emissions by 2030 (compared to 2019) and be climate neutral by 2050.
“Brussels Airlines has worked hard to return to profitability. This brand new aircraft for our company is a vote of confidence and support from Lufthansa Group for our team,” said Von Boxberg.
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