Summary
- Aer Lingus has received its third A320neo, named St Fearghal, which boasts a fresh cabin design and seats.
- The A320neo has low noise impact with its LEAP-1A engines, allowing Aer Lingus to learn from cheaper landing fees at Heathrow Airport.
- Aer Lingus is working towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through its fleet modernization project, with the A320neo and A321LR playing a key role in reducing fuel burn and increasing efficiency.
Aer Lingus took delivery of its third A320neo on Friday. EI-NSC, which has been given the name St Fearghal, is a much-anticipated arrival to the airline’s fleet because of its fresh cabin design and seats.
A brand new addition
The primary A320neo joined the Aer Lingus fleet back in August 2022. EI-NSB arrived in Shannon, where it was stored for some time. Following suit, EI-NSA joined the fleet and started operations in October 2022. Each aircraft operated exclusively on the Shannon/Dublin to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) routes – with the occasional flight to Rome (FCO). That is on account of the A320neo having a low noise impact with its LEAP-1A engines. Heathrow offers cheaper landing fees to airlines when a quieter aircraft is used.
Photo: Aer Lingus
EI-NSC is the primary A320neo aircraft to return straight from Aer Lingus’ order book with Airbus. The opposite two aircraft are leased from CDB-Aviation – an Irish leasing firm. This aircraft also features an upgraded cabin with a number of latest features. Aer Lingus has installed its European business class “AerSpace” seats onboard and ‘St Fearghal’ features seats with USB ports, mood lighting, and additional large bins for overhead baggage.
Photo: Aer Lingus
Also installed within the aircraft is FANS-C 4D technology which is able to allow Aer Lingus to optimize aircraft trajectory, traffic flows, and aircraft speed.
The primary flight with EI-NSC was from Dublin (DUB) to London Heathrow on Saturday, twenty second July. The flight departed at 06:34 and spent the entire day traveling backwards and forwards. On Sunday, the aircraft is working an Ireland West Knock (NOC) to Heathrow route and a Dublin to Faro (FAO) service.
Aer Lingus is currently experiencing some issues with fleet capability and is struggling to maintain up with demand. They’re leasing a Boeing 757 from Privilege Style which is working flights to and from popular holiday destinations similar to Tenerife, Faro, and Malaga amongst others.
A wider expansion project
Aer Lingus is currently within the technique of modernizing its entire fleet. With the addition of the A320neo, these jets complement the eight A321LRs already in service. As a part of its sustainability project, the Shamrock goals to realize net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with the aircraft a key a part of the strategy.
Photo: Aer Lingus
It’s hoped that by next 12 months, Aer Lingus will receive delivery of its first A321XLR. This latest aircraft type, which was announced back in 2019 on the Paris Air Show, will work alongside its A321LR member of the family and help Aer Lingus in expanding each its route network and efficiency. Although there are some reports of design modifications to the aircraft, the sort will still be an important fit for Aer Lingus.
What do you concentrate on the addition of the brand new A320neo to the fleet? Have you ever flown on an A320neo with Aer Lingus? How was your experience? Tell us within the comments below.