Aer Lingus has taken delivery of its first new generation A320 neo aircraft.
The aircraft (registration EI-NSA, named Saint Thomas) is entering service today and will operate flight EI152 from Dublin to London Heathrow. To mark the occasion, the airline will offset the carbon emissions from the flight of all customers on board.
The second A320 neo will also join the fleet this week, with both aircraft leased from CDB Aviation. The aircraft will replace two A320 ceo aircraft, and predominantly operate London Heathrow routes.
Aer Lingus says that the aircraft delivers up to 20 per cent reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, and close to 50 per cent reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.
There is also a greater density of seats, with 186 on board, resulting in lower fuel emissions per seat/passenger on board.
Aer Lingus has promised to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and committed to powering 10 per cent of its flights using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030.
The airline recently signed a SAF supply agreement with Gevo, a US-based renewable fuels producer.
Aer Lingus signs deal for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supply