Wizz Air UK has today celebrated the inaugural flight of its first Airbus A321neo aircraft from London Luton to Poznan.
The aircraft is the first ever Pratt and Whitney GTF-powered A321neo in the UK.
According to the airline, the A321neo aircraft, which will be based at London Luton, provides “maximum” fuel efficiency, with 20 per cent fuel cost savings and a nearly 50 per cent reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft.
Wizz Air UK’s managing director, Owain Jones, said: “Today marks another major landmark for Wizz Air UK. We already operate one of the youngest fleets in Europe, but the arrival and inaugural flight of our first Airbus A321neo aircraft, the first Pratt and Whitney GTF-powered A321neo in the country, represents a significant step forward not only for our growth in the UK market but enhancing the sustainability of our operations.
“Flying the very latest aircraft technology has always been a cornerstone of Wizz’s business, with the benefits of lower fuel consumption and lower noise delivering benefits for our customers and the environment.
“Although only essential travel is currently permitted, we will have four brand new A321neos in the Wizz Air UK fleet by the time restrictions are lifted and the whole Wizz Air UK team is really looking forward to welcoming passengers back on-board to provide the fantastic service our customers have come to know us for.”
By deploying the latest technologies, Pratt and Whitey’s GTF engine has been demonstrated to reduce fuel burn by 16 per cent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 50 per cent.
It says that the arrival of this aircraft builds on Wizz’s commitment to maintaining one of the lowest carbon emission rates in the European aviation industry.
Wizz Air UK plans to bolster its fleet, which is the youngest of any major airline in Europe, with the delivery of three further A321neo in 2021. These deliveries will support the airline’s growth strategy in the UK market, “creating even more efficient and sustainable operations”.
In just the past six months, Wizz Air has expanded across the UK, opening new bases at Gatwick and Doncaster Sheffield last Autumn and another new base a Cardiff Airport due to launch this Spring with nine routes.
To celebrate the inaugural flight of the A321neo, Wizz Air is giving away a €321 voucher to one lucky passenger chosen at random onboard the inaugural flight to Poznan.
London Luton Airport chief commercial officer, Jonathan Rayner, added: “The inaugural flight of this new, quieter aircraft and the decision to base more Airbus neo aircraft at LLA is great news for our passengers and our local communities. We’re working hard supporting all our airlines to make sure we continue to see the roll out of quieter, more efficient aircraft, which will play a vital role in the delivery of the airport’s sustainable growth plan.”