Asiana Airlines Signs LOI with Airbus for 25 A321neo

Asiana Airlines has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Airbus for the purchase of 25 A321neo single aisle aircraft as part of its ongoing fleet modernisation programme.

Seating 180 passengers in a two class layout, the new aircraft will be operated on the carrier’s regional services, as well as on selected domestic routes.

Asiana has not yet unveiled its engine of choice for the aircraft.

The A321neo will join an existing fleet of A320 Family aircraft operated by Asiana Airlines and its low cost subsidiary Air Busan, with the A321 set to become the primary single aisle type at both units.

“The A320 Family is a proven success with Asiana Airlines and Air Busan, combining reliability, excellent operating economics and superior passenger comfort,” said Kim Soo Cheon, President & CEO, Asiana Airlines. “With the A321neo we will be able to look forward to even greater levels of efficiency, with a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and increased flying range. The acquisition of the A321neo underscores our strategy to operate only the most modern and efficient aircraft that the industry has to offer.”

In addition to this new commitment for the A321neo, the airline has outstanding orders with Airbus for four more A380s and 30 all-new A350 XWBs for operation on its long haul network.