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| A321neo with ALC livery, rendering. Photo: Airbus |
[Avionics Today 01-13-2015] A commitment from Air Lease Corporation (ALC) has officially launched Airbus’ A321neo with a 97-ton Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW). The Los Angeles-based lessor signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 30 more A321neo, upsizing its commitments at the 2014 Farnborough Airshow from 60 to 90 and becoming the launch customer for Airbus’ increased range option.
Under the assumption that ALC’s MOUs for 30 A321neo aircraft plus 25 A330neo family become firm orders, ALC’s total orders for Airbus aircraft would stand at 258. An additional fuel tank in the forward underfloor hold of the aircraft, as well as minor improvements on the wing and fuselage, enable the A321neo 97t to fly 206 passengers on longer routes of up to 4,000 nm in a two-class layout. First deliveries of the aircraft are projected to begin by 2019.