Livery of the Week: Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways' livery, known as "Facets of Abu Dhabi," was first introduced in 2014 on a Boeing 787-9 and designed by Landor Associates.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, April 26, 2024 at 03:47 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Etihad's A380 lands at London Heathrow (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Editor’s Note: AirlineGeeks is proud to present our ‘Livery of the Week’ series. Every Friday, a team member will share an airline livery, which can be from the past, present, or even a special scheme. Some airline liveries are works of art. The complexity associated with painting around critical flight components and the added weight requires outside-the-box thinking from designers. The average airliner can cost upwards of $200,000 to repaint, creating a separate aircraft repainting industry as a result.

Have an idea for a livery that we should highlight? Drop us a line.

Etihad Airways’ livery, known as “Facets of Abu Dhabi,” was introduced in 2014. Designed by Landor Associates in collaboration with Etihad, the livery draws inspiration from the airline’s Emirate home.

A Palette Inspired by the Desert

The most striking aspect of the design is its color scheme. It features a gradient of golden hues, reflecting the various shades of sand found across the UAE’s deserts, from the darker sands of the Liwa desert to the lighter tones of the north. The updated livery was unveiled on the carrier’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Etihad Airways’ new A350-1000 aircraft.(Photo: Etihad Airways)

The livery also incorporates a geometric diamond pattern that adorns the fuselage. This pattern is inspired by traditional Emirati design motifs and the modern, geometric shapes found in Abu Dhabi’s architecture.

A Cohesive Brand Identity

The “Facets of Abu Dhabi” livery extends beyond the exterior of the aircraft. The color scheme and geometric shapes are echoed in Etihad’s cabin interiors and other branding elements, creating a unified brand experience for passengers.

Etihad’s livery is a distinctive and memorable design. It stands out with its unique color palette and geometric elements. The design has been praised for its elegance and its successful representation of Abu Dhabi’s culture and landscape.

Looking for a new airplane model? Head over to our friends at the Midwest Model Store for a wide selection of airlines and liveries.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

SkyWest Plans to Add CRJ-550s

The Utah-based regional carrier is slated to transition 19 CRJ-700s expiring from its American contract to the 50-seat configuration.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, April 26, 2024 at 12:20 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A SkyWest Airlines Bombardier CRJ-700 aircraft on final approach at O'Hare International Airport. (Photo: Shutterstock | Carlos Yudica)

SkyWest says it plans to operate CRJ-550 aircraft as early as this summer. The Utah-based regional carrier is slated to transition 19 CRJ-700s expiring from its American contract to the 50-seat configuration.

Currently, United Express carrier GoJet is the only operator of the CRJ-550, according to AirFleets.net data. The 36 active aircraft in GoJet’s fleet – on lease from SkyWest – are configured with 10 first class and 40 economy seats.

The aircraft – largely used as a mechanism to comply with pilot scope clauses – has the same airframe as a CRJ-700 with just 50 seats. Typically, CRJ-700 jets can have up to 78 seats in a standard configuration, but U.S. carriers have between 65 and 70.

“The 19 CRJ-700s expiring from our American contract this year will transition to become CRJ-550s in our fleet,” said SkyWest’s Chief Commercial Officer Wade Steel in a first quarter earnings call.

Steel did not specify which airline would brand the CRJ-550s. “We anticipate the first CRJ-550 to be flying for one of our major partners during the summer months,” he added.

SkyWest has 117 CRJ-700 aircraft in its fleet as of 2023, which operate for American, Delta, and United. Delta retired its last 50-seat CRJ-200 aircraft late last year and requires all regional markets to be served with two-class aircraft.

According to various Essential Air Service (EAS) documents, SkyWest – operating flights on behalf of Delta – has the option to operate CRJ-550, CRJ-700, or CRJ-900 aircraft to a handful of markets.

For example, the carrier was awarded an EAS contract for Escanaba, Mich. in November 2023. “SkyWest will provide Escanaba with 12 round trips per week from Delta County Airport (ESC) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and/or Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), using 50-passenger Bombardier CRJ550 (CRJ550), 65/69-passenger Bombardier CRJ700 (CRJ700), or 76-passenger Bombardier CRJ900 (CRJ900) aircraft,” the award document reads.

Escanaba is one of a handful of markets that SkyWest previously served with 50-seat CRJ-200 aircraft before being phased out under the Delta Connection brand.

Ryan Ewing

Delta Brings Back 747-Themed Credit Card

Delta and American Express teamed up to launch a new credit card design created using metal from retired Delta 747 aircraft.

Hemal Gosai

Friday, April 26, 2024 at 09:26 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

New Delta Reserve credit card design (Photo: American Express)

Delta and American Express are teaming up again to bring a limited edition credit card to consumers. For a short time, the credit card issuer and airline are offering Delta Reserve credit cards made from a pair of retired Boeing 747 aircraft.

The cards will feature a white glossy design inspired by clouds made from aircraft that were retired in 2017 after 27 years of service.

This isn’t the first time the two companies have collaborated to create a credit card design like this. In 2022 a similar credit card design was offered. The card back then was black and featured a drawing of a Boeing 747 along with information about the aircraft it was made from. This included the date of its first and last flights, registration, and total miles flown.

The card was such a big hit in 2022 that Delta and American Express decided to bring back the concept in an entirely new design and make twice as many as last time.

The new card is white but still has many of the same elements as the one introduced in 2022. The 747 drawing is different while retaining much of the same types of information such as first and last flights, miles flown, and registration.

People can get their hands on the card by applying for either the personal or business version of the Delta Reserve card issued by American Express. Existing cardholders will be able to get a card by contacting American Express and requesting one while the cards are still available. Even though American Express is making twice as many as last time, it is still expected that these cards will run out relatively quickly.

Fewer Boeing 747s in the Skies

It’s nice to see Delta and American Express honoring the aircraft type that revolutionized air travel as we know it. Unfortunately, no United States passenger airline operates the aircraft anymore but the Boeing 747 is still seen across the skies and at airports across the world. Many carriers still use the aircraft as an integral part of the fleet and air cargo carriers will continue to use the aircraft for years to come.

While Boeing 747s in passenger service are becoming increasingly less common, cargo airlines are still using the aircraft as the backbone of their fleets. The last Boeing 747 aircraft produced went to Atlas Air, a cargo airline, on Jan. 31, 2023.

Hemal Gosai

Hemal took his first flight at four years old and has been an avgeek since then. When he isn't working as an analyst he's frequently found outside watching planes fly overhead or flying in them. His favorite plane is the 747-8i which Lufthansa thankfully flies to EWR allowing for some great spotting. He firmly believes that the best way to fly between JFK and BOS is via DFW and is always willing to go for that extra elite qualifying mile. Hemal's opinions are his own and do not reflect those of his employer.

IndiGo Inks Its First Widebody Order With Airbus

Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo places an order for 30 A350-900s, aiming to launch long-haul operations out of India in the coming years.

Anthony Bang An

Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 12:25 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Airbus' A350-900 variant (Photo: Airbus)

Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo has placed a landmark order for 30 Airbus A350-900s with another 70 options. This is the first time the carrier has placed a widebody order and comes after placing the biggest airplane order in history of 500 A320 series aircraft from Airbus last year.

Deliveries will start in 2027, joining IndiGo’s mostly Airbus A320 family fleet. The new A350s will enable the airline to expand its international footprint significantly with the aircraft’s range, allowing the airline to fly nonstop to destinations in North America, Australia, Asia, and Europe.

IndiGo A321neo landing — An IndiGo Airbus A321neo at Delhi Airport (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Vihaan Kushwaha)

IndiGo, the biggest airline in India by passenger numbers and market share, has not operated any widebody airplanes by itself. It wet leases two 777-300ERs from Turkish Airlines on routes from Delhi and Mumbai to Istanbul, which the two airlines jointly operate. The primary focus of the carrier has been on the domestic market, which it has a 60% market share, and regional markets to the Gulf and Southeast Asia,

Capitalizing on the Growth in Indian Aviation

Indian aviation has seen significant growth in the past years and is projected to continue to do so. At the same time, much of the international traffic is captured by foreign connecting airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Singapore Airlines. Much of it can be attributed to the lack of capacity and ability of Indian carriers.

However, changes are taking place with both Air India, under its new Tata ownership, and IndiGo, under the leadership of Dutchman Pieter Elbers who used to lead KLM, are quickly growing their capacities both in short-haul and long-haul fleets. Air India placed a large order for A350s and 787s last year, and its first A350s have already been delivered.

IndiGo A350 — IndiGo is led by Pieter Elber, middle, the former CEO of KLM (Photo: IndiGo)

With the new aircraft, Indian carriers are expected to take up a greater share of the market and provide more choices for inbound and outbound travelers. Areas which IndiGo could use its new A350s include destinations in Europe, specifically the U.K., the United States, and Canada. These are regions where diaspora and student traffic is strong and demand comes largely from price-sensitive travelers, allowing IndiGo to compete with its low-cost model.

Another Win for Airbus

Airbus has secured yet another major order for its popular A350 family. According to the Times of India, the Boeing 787 was considered by IndiGo but issues surrounding the company and the jet swung the company towards Airbus. IndiGo will be the second operator of the A350 in India, after Air India, which has 20 A350-900s and 20 A350-1000s on order. The carrier will also become one of the two widebody operators in India after the merger of Vistara into Air India.

This comes after a series of high-profile orders for the A350 from Asian carriers, namely from JAL for 21 units, Korean Air for 33, EVA Air for 18, and several more orders from other regions, including one from Delta for 20 A350-1000s.

Anthony Bang An

Anthony is an aviation enthusiast who grew up around the world from St. Louis to Singapore, and now lives in Amsterdam. He loves long-haul flying and finds peace in the sound of engine cruising. He aspires to share his passion for the sky though writing and providing another angle on the stories.

DOT Mandates Cash Refunds for Flight Delays and Cancellations

New regulations mandate airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for flights experiencing substantial delays or cancellations

Tolga Karadeniz

Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 10:50 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Overlooking DFW Airport's Terminal B. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

In a landmark decision that it says bolsters passenger protections, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled a comprehensive set of regulations on Wednesday. These new rules mandate airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for significantly delayed or canceled flights.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg hailed the reforms as a transformative moment, declaring during a press conference, “This is a big day for America’s flying public.” He emphasized that the regulations represent the most significant expansion of passenger rights in the DOT’s history, prioritizing prompt and guaranteed cash refunds.

Previously, airlines held discretionary power regarding the delay threshold that triggered a refund obligation. The newly established DOT framework mandates automatic cash refunds for domestic flights exceeding three hours in delay and international flights exceeding six hours. These protections apply to all tickets, regardless of purchase channel, encompassing direct airline purchases, travel agents, and online booking platforms.

The DOT’s rulings clearly stipulate that passengers “shall be entitled to a full cash refund if their flight is canceled or substantially altered, and they decline alternative transportation or travel vouchers proffered by the airline.”

Furthermore, the regulations require airlines to provide cash refunds for lost luggage not delivered within a 12-hour timeframe. As per the new framework, refunds must be issued within seven days and must be in the form of cash unless the passenger explicitly chooses an alternative form of compensation. Notably, airlines are prohibited from solely issuing vouchers or credits in scenarios where cash refunds are mandated. A grace period of six months has been granted to airlines to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when airlines fall short of their obligations, without any unnecessary hassle or haggling,” Secretary Buttigieg stated in an official press release.

Alignment with European Standards

The new DOT regulations bring the U.S. closer to existing passenger rights standards in Europe. For instance, the European Union (EU) Regulation 261/2004 mandates cash compensation for flight delays exceeding three hours for short-haul flights and 4 hours for long-haul flights. Similar to the new DOT regulations, the EU also requires airlines to offer passengers re-routing or a full refund if their flight is canceled.

However, some key differences remain. The EU offers compensation for delays exceeding 2 hours for some itineraries, while the DOT sets the threshold at three hours for domestic flights. Additionally, the EU offers tiered compensation based on the length of the delay, while the DOT focuses on a guaranteed refund for the inconvenience.

Empowering Passengers to Avoid Hidden Travel Expenses

The DOT also revealed ongoing efforts to develop additional regulations focused on eliminating hidden fees that disproportionately burden passengers, enhancing the rights of wheelchair-using passengers to guarantee dignified and safe travel experiences, and establishing mandatory compensation and amenities for airline-induced delays or cancellations.

Secretary Buttigieg emphasized the DOT’s commitment to protecting passengers from surprise fees, claiming these efforts will result in billions of dollars saved for American travelers annually.

The new DOT regulations encompass refunds for unused pre-paid services such as Wi-Fi access, seat selection, or in-flight entertainment.

Secretary Buttigieg declared that the Southwest fine establishes a “new standard” for airlines and passenger rights. “To be clear, we want the airline sector to thrive,” he elaborated. “It is precisely why we provided extensive support during the pandemic and honestly it’s why we’re being so rigorous on passenger protection.”

“Airlines are not enthusiastic about us holding them to a higher standard,” Secretary Buttigieg conceded. “But I know they will be able to adapt to this.”

The industry group Airlines for America, representing leading U.S. passenger and cargo airlines, responded to the news in a statement to ABC News. The statement noted that its members “already offer a range of options, including fully refundable fares,” according to the news outlet. It further claimed that consumers are “given the choice of refundable ticket options with terms and conditions that best suit their needs at first search results.”

The group also noted that the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued a combined $43 billion in customer refunds between 2020 and 2023, with nearly $11 billion in refunds issued in 2023 alone.

Tolga Karadeniz

Tolga is a dedicated aviation enthusiast with years of experience in the industry. From an early age, his fascination with aviation went beyond a mere passion for travel, evolving into a deliberate exploration of the complex mechanics and engineering behind aircraft. As a writer, he aims to share insights , providing readers with a view into the complex inner workings of the aviation industry.

JetBlue Introduces New Inflight Entertainment Platform

JetBlue has announced the introduction of a new inflight entertainment platform known as “Blueprint by JetBlue' which will debut on select aircraft.

Andrew Chen

Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 09:32 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

JetBlue's "Blueprint" inflight entertainment platform includes a "watch party" feature that allows up to six passengers to watch a film or show simultaneously (Photo: JetBlue)

JetBlue has announced the introduction of a new inflight entertainment platform. Known as “Blueprint by JetBlue,” the system will have increased personalization and customizability, as well as entertainment options that are designed to parallel the at-home streaming experience.

Bringing the Streaming Experience to the Skies

Blueprint includes a “watch party” feature that allows a passenger to watch the same film or show at the exact same time with up to five others on their flight. The airline touts itself as the first to offer simultaneous family-style viewing for up to six customers. Player controls – such as play and pause options – can be controlled on all linked screens.

For frequent flyers and travelers with connecting itineraries, the new platform allows passengers to have a user profile that is accessible across all aircraft with Blueprint. Customers can save their favorite selections, as well as system settings like language and closed captions preferences. There is also the option to stop watching a film or television show on one flight and start watching it from the same spot on a subsequent flight, as long as it is on a Blueprint-equipped aircraft. The later flight could be a same-day connection or a flight further in the future. To take advantage of these features, passengers will have to opt-in to authenticate their profiles on each flight.

Introducing Blueprint by JetBlue™, a personalized inflight experience, giving you new ways to use your seatback screen with watch parties, the ability to resume your content on your next flight, entertainment recommendations and real-time arrival details.? Available on select… pic.twitter.com/KCg5StLNNV

— JetBlue (@JetBlue) April 24, 2024

The new platform also includes features that extend beyond inflight entertainment. JetBlue is known for having personal greetings on their seatback screens, and the system will now allow customers to change their preferred name. Seatback meal ordering will also be extended on Airbus A321neo aircraft with its business class product, Mint, meaning that the option will be available on transatlantic flights.

Rollout and Availability

According to the airline, Blueprint will be available on aircraft equipped with Thales’ AVANT inflight entertainment system. This includes all Airbus A321neo, Airbus A321LR, and Airbus A220-300 aircraft, as well as most of the carrier’s refurbished Airbus A320-200s. With the carrier’s sizeable Airbus A321-200 and Embraer E190 fleets excluded from the upgrade, only approximately half to two-thirds of JetBlue’s current fleet will feature the new platform.

A Mint suite on board one of JetBlue’s Airbus A321LRs. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Mateen Kontoravdis)

“JetBlue has always been an innovator as the first to have seatback screens and fast, free and unlimited Wi-Fi on every aircraft,” said Jayne O’Brien, JetBlue’s Head of Marketing and Customer Support. “By launching Blueprint by JetBlue, we are doubling down on our commitment to help customers create an inflight experience tailored to their needs and preferences, making their flight as comfortable as their own living rooms.”

Andrew Chen

Andrew is a lifelong lover of aviation and travel. He has flown all over the world and is fascinated by the workings of the air travel industry. As a private pilot and glider pilot who has worked with airlines, airports and other industry stakeholders, he is always excited to share his passion for aviation with others. In addition to being a writer, he also hosts Flying Smarter, an educational travel podcast that explores the complex world of air travel to help listeners become better-informed and savvier travelers.

Southwest Closes Four Stations Amid Ongoing Boeing Delivery Woes

Southwest is ceasing operations at four airports and limiting capacity at others, citing ongoing aircraft delivery delays at Boeing.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 08:56 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Southwest Airlines 737-700 pushing back in Pittsburgh. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Southwest is ceasing operations at four airports and limiting capacity at others, citing ongoing Boeing delivery delays. The all-Boeing operator has cut its 2024 aircraft delivery plan by more than half.

On Aug. 4, 2024, the carrier says it will close stations in Bellingham, Cozumel, Houston-IAH, and Syracuse. Southwest will also “significantly restructure” operations in several markets, including capacity cuts in Atlanta and Chicago O’Hare.

“To improve our financial performance, we have intensified our network optimization efforts to address underperforming markets. Consequently, we have made the difficult decision to close our operations at Bellingham International Airport, Cozumel International Airport, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport,” said Southwest CEO Bob Jordan in an earnings press release. “I want to sincerely thank our Employees, the airports, and the communities for all their incredible support over the years.”

According to Cirium Diio schedule data, the station closures will result in roughly 1,200 fewer flights in September 2024. The carrier did not provide specific details on further capacity cuts.

Hiring Slowdown, Voluntary Time-Off

In addition to network reductions, Southwest also plans to reduce its hiring outlook. Earlier this year, the Dallas-based carrier announced that it plans to halt pilot hiring in 2024.

The airline says voluntary time-off programs will be offered to employees. It expects to finish 2024 with approximately 2,000 fewer employees compared to 2023.

Ryan Ewing

Southwest’s Flight Attendants Vote in Favor of Sweeping New Contract

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556 at Southwest ratified a new four-year contract after its flight attendants voted in favor of the agreement.

Benjamin Pham

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 08:32 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Southwest 737 MAX 8 aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) Local 556 at Southwest ratified a new four-year contract after its flight attendants voted in favor of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). As a result, the Dallas-based carrier is the first major airline in the U.S. to ink a new, enhanced contract with its flight attendants.

The four-year contract includes numerous enhancements for pay, including a 22.3% ‘snap up’ raise effective on May 1, premium pay for extended duty days, increased pay for irregular operations, three percent pay increases for the next three years, and additional compensation for lengthy ground time. Flight attendants will also receive $364 million in retroactive wages, paid out based on how much flying was completed during negotiations.

Additionally, company-paid maternal and parental will be offered, and healthcare will be given to those who are caring for a newborn child.

“Our Flight Attendants embody Southwest’s legendary Hospitality as they take care of our Customers and keep them safe throughout their travels,” Adam Carlisle, Vice President of Labor Relations at Southwest Airlines, said in a statement. “This agreement rewards our Flight Attendants and includes provisions that strengthen Southwest’s operation.”

The local TWU 556 chapter represents more than 21,000 flight attendants across Southwest’s network. Previously, the airline’s flight attendants rejected the initial tentative agreement last year in December. However, 81 percent of votes cast were in favor of this new agreement.

“This deal provides significant raises and critical quality-of-life improvements for TWU’s Southwest Flight Attendants who worked through historic operational meltdowns and a global pandemic,” TWU International Executive Vice President Alex Garcia said in a press release. “TWU Local 556 won quantifiable compensation throughout all phases of the day that will put real money into our Flight Attendants’ pay checks. This is the least they deserve after years of hard work and negotiations.”

Southwest’s Pilots

Earlier this year in January, the carrier’s pilots – represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) – also approved a new contract, which included several pay raises. Now, with both the pilots and flight attendants receiving new contracts, 11 union-represented workgroups at Southwest have ratified new agreements since October 2022.

Benjamin Pham

Benjamin has had a love for aviation since a young age, growing up in Tampa with a strong interest in airplane models and playing with them. When he moved to the Washington, D.C. area, Benjamin took part in aviation photography for a couple of years at Gravelly Point and Dulles Airport, before dedicating planespotting to only when he traveled to the other airports. He is an avid, world traveler, having been able to reach 32 countries, yearning to explore and understand more cultures soon. Currently, Benjamin is an Air Transporation Management student at Arizona State University. He hopes to enter the airline industry to improve the passenger experience and loyalty programs while keeping up to how technology is being integrated into airports.

Hawaiian Slated to Return Grounded A321neos to Service

Hawaiian Airlines says it expects to return all 18 of its Airbus A321neo aircraft to revenue service in the coming weeks.

Ryan Ewing

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 12:52 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Hawaiian Airbus A321neo (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Hawaiian Airlines says it expects to return all 18 of its Airbus A321neo aircraft to revenue service in the coming weeks. Like many operators worldwide, the Honolulu-based airline has been forced to ground several A321neos due to ongoing issues with Pratt and Whitney’s GTF engines.

“On another positive note, we expect our full A321neo fleet to be available for service within the next couple of weeks based on current engine availability, including the return of some engines from overhaul visits,” Hawaiian chief Peter Ingram said during prepared remarks on the call.

According to FlightGlobal, the airline had up to five A321neo aircraft grounded that were waiting for engines or subsequent parts. At the time of writing, Hawaiian now has two A321neo jets in storage.

Issues with Pratt and Whitney GTF engines have plagued several airlines. The engine manufacturer’s parent company recently stated that it expects 50 A320neo-family aircraft will be grounded through 2026, and up to 650 grounded in the first half of this year.

Issues Not Quite ‘In the Rearview Mirror’

The airline uses its A321neo fleet largely on oceanic crossings between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. During the earnings call, Ingram stopped short of saying issues with the engines are completely behind Hawaiian.

“I would hesitate to use the term ‘in the rearview mirror’ because, clearly, there still is a global shortage of engines,” he added. “And so, having taken some of that pain in 2023, we’re now seeing engines returning from the overhaul shop, and that has left us at Hawaiian in a relatively more enviable position than some other carriers that…have dealt with the aftermath of engines that have had to go in for inspections a little bit later. I will caution it’s a fluid situation.”

The airline – which lost $138 million in the first quarter – says it hopes to “benefit” by having the A321neo fleet fully operational.

Ryan Ewing

Condor Takes Delivery of First A320neo

German leisure carrier Condor has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo aircraft, marking another step in the airline's fleet modernization program.

Ryan Ewing

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 09:42 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Condor takes delivery of first Airbus A320neo aircraft (Photo: Airbus)

German leisure carrier Condor has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo aircraft, marking another step in the airline’s fleet modernization program. The new aircraft was leased from Avolon and features a striking red version of the carrier’s livery.

This delivery is part of Condor’s ongoing efforts to update its fleet, which already includes the A330neo for long-haul flights. The airline retired its aging Boeing 767 fleet earlier this year and plans to phase out the 757 in 2025.

The carrier has a long history with the A320 family, having operated these aircraft on its European routes for over two decades. The A320neo offers Condor improved efficiency and passenger comfort compared to previous generation models, according to Airbus.

The new A320neo is powered by Pratt & Whitney engines and features Airbus’ Airspace cabin design in a 180-seat configuration. Per Aeroroutes, the carrier has scheduled initial routes for the new aircraft starting next month.

Condor also plans to receive the larger A321neo, which it expects to receive in the coming months. The airline has 13 A320neo and 28 A321neo aircraft on order.

Ryan Ewing