Asiana Airlines has become the first Korean airline to introduce the Airbus A321NEO (New Engine Option), which is considered the next-generation high-efficiency passenger jet.
Asiana Airlines held an introduction ceremony after the A321 NEO, which departed from Hamburg, Germany, on July 31 local time, arrived at Incheon International Airport on August 1.
The event was attended by Asiana Airlines President Han Chang-soo and other executives and employees to mark the first delivery of the next-generation flagship A321NEO in South Korea.
The newly introduced A321NEO will be used on short- and medium distance routes to Taipei, Clarkfield and Nagoya from Aug. 9.
The new A321NEO is a state-of-the-art technology aggregation aircraft with 15 percent better fuel efficiency and reduced noise by about seven decibels over comparable aircraft. The CFM Leap-1A engine, manufactured by CFM International Inc., the world's No. 1 aircraft engine maker, has been equipped to increase fuel efficiency and reduce noise.
The A321NEO also has customer-friendly interior space. The A321NEO, introduced by Asiana Airlines, consists of 188 seats (eight business seats, 180 economy seats), and offers a wide space, especially in economy class, with 31 inches between seats and 18.3 inches wide. In addition, the HEPA filter air purification system was installed to provide a pleasant indoor environment for all flights.
In addition, it introduced "in-flight wireless entertainment system" to maximize use of personal mobile devices and reflect current trends. The "in-flight wireless entertainment system" is a system earlier introduced by global airlines such as Air Canada, ANA, Hawaiian Airlines and Etihad Airways, where passengers can access the system via smartphones and tablet PCs and then enjoy various latest videos provided by Asiana Airlines.
Meanwhile, in addition to the A321NEO, Asiana Airlines has continuously improved its aircraft competitiveness by introducing the A350-900 since 2017. In particular, the company plans to conduct sequential fleet generational changes with A321NEO for short- and medium distance and A350 for long-distance routes to reduce fuel and maximize profitability, a company spokesman said.