On November 10, ITA Airways took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo, leased from Air Lease Corporation, at the Airbus plant in Hamburg, reinforcing ITA Airways’ strategy to operate an all-Airbus fleet. The current fleet consists of over 80 Airbus aircraft, including new-generation aircraft like the A220, A320neo, A330neo, and A350.
The A321neo occupies a sweet spot between a single-aisle and a long-range aircraft, offering a similar comfort level as widebody aircraft such as the A330neo or A350-900. The Airbus A321neo can operate on slightly longer routes than the A320, particularly in regions such as the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.
The A321neo is configured with three classes, featuring 12 lie-flat business class seats, 12 premium economy seats, and 141 economy seats, with 12 dedicated to Comfort Economy. The Italian Designer Walter de Silva designed the company’s A321neo interiors.
Equipped with Airbus’ Airspace cabin design, XL overhead bins, and advanced in-flight entertainment, the A321neo offers an improved passenger experience, according to the airline. This aircraft, the largest in Airbus’ A320neo family, boasts exceptional range, performance, and environmental efficiency, with a 50% noise reduction and over 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous models. Over 5,500 A321neos have been ordered globally to date.
Following the ceremony, the A321neo, named after the 2000 Olympic champion Italian swimmer Massimiliano Rosolino, flew to Fiumicino airport for pre-flight tests and inspections. This aircraft is slated to enter revenue service on Dec. 4, 2023 from Rome to London Heathrow, according to Cirium Diio data.
