Azores Airlines SATA International (Portugal) has committed to lease six new A321neo aircraft including four A321LR versions from Air Lease Corporation (ALC). The CFM Leap 1A engine-powered aircraft from ALC’s order book with Airbus will deliver between the fourth quarter of 2017 and early 2021.
By way of an extensive transatlantic network, these aircraft will connect Portugal and Azores to cities in the United States and Canada, including Boston, Oakland, Providence, Toronto and Montreal, in addition to major Western European cities.
“The new ALC A321neo aircraft will replace Azores Airlines' A310 fleet and add additional frequencies and schedules to the airline's network on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and the Azores,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.
Paolo Menezes, CEO of Azores Airlines said, “We are very pleased with this historic aircraft renewal project and the commitment to lease six new A321neos with ALC, who has a long-term business relationship with SATA. These aircraft are ideal new jets for our airline and ALC provided outstanding creativity, economics and strategic advantages in this important transaction."
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Azores Airlines A321neo[/caption]
"The A321neo and the A321LR (long range) new technology Airbus family aircraft bring a new dimension to medium transatlantic routes, offering 6000 kilometers flight range with about 200 passengers plus cargo, and is considered ideal and most economical for Azores Airlines SATA International’s extensive route network. The A321neo lowers per seat fuel consumption by more than 35%, is quieter, and delivers environmental advantages including a 60% reduction in carbon emissions versus the A310s they will replace. With these A321neo aircraft, the airline of the Azores will now have the most modern and well suited aircraft to operate and grow with a bright and promising future," said Marc Baer, Executive Vice President of Air Lease Corporation.