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Why Europe getting its first China-assembled Airbus A321neo is a big deal

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Sushim Mukul
Sushim MukulJun 28, 2023 | 18:04

Why Europe getting its first China-assembled Airbus A321neo is a big deal

Hungary's Wizz Air is the largest Central and Eastern European low-cost carrier. (Photo: WizzAir)

In a significant development, Hungary's Wizz Air, the largest low-cost carrier in central and eastern Europe, has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo aircraft assembled at Airbus' Final Assembly Line (FAL Asia) located in north China's Tianjin.

The delivery ceremony at the Airbus facility in Tianjin, held on June 27 (Tuesday), highlighted the growing significance of Airbus Tianjin and its role in meeting international demand while the aviation market is making efforts to recover from the Covid pandemic. The aircraft left the Airbus facility shortly after the ceremony for Budapest, via Almaty.

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This milestone marks the first instance of an aircraft assembled in China being delivered to a European customer.

Wizz Air's feat

  • Hungarian Wizz Air has become the first airline in Europe to receive an Airbus A321neo aircraft assembled in China. This new addition to their fleet arrives four years after the airline's first A321neo delivery in 2019.
  • The decision was made to address the increasing demand for the A320 series and ensure timely deliveries to customers across the globe.

What does it mean for China?

  • This move further solidifies Tianjin's position as a crucial hub outside of Europe for Airbus commercial aircraft assembly.
  • With the entry of COMAC, aviation manufacturing in China is on the rise as it looks to recover from the pandemic-induced lockdown.
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  • Since its establishment in 2008, the Tianjin FAL has successfully delivered over 600 A320 family aircraft, starting with the first A320 delivery in 2009.
  • Over the years, the facility has catered to the narrow-body needs of Chinese carriers and Air Asia Malaysia.
  • To meet the increasing demand from worldwide clients, Airbus announced the establishment of a second assembly line in the Tianjin facility dedicated to expanding the production capacity of the A320 family during Emmanuel Macron's visit to Beijing in 2021.

The A321neo

  • The A321neo, now the largest member of the A320 family, has a seating capacity of up to 244 passengers in a single-class arrangement, making it an attractive choice for airlines.

  • With an impressive range of 7,400 km, low-cost carriers aim to reach far-off destinations, showcasing optimal operating economics.
  • Equipped with Pratt and Whitney GTF engines, the A321neo is currently regarded as the most fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft in operation.
  • With 30% less fuel consumption, 50% CO2 savings, and nearly a 50% decrease in noise footprint compared to previous models, the A321neo is the ideal aircraft.
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Last updated: June 28, 2023 | 18:04
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