Frontier Airlines has welcomed its first Airbus A321neo aircraft, outfitted with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines at Tampa International Airport. Pratt & Whitney claims that the GTF powered A321neo is the most fuel-efficient commercial aircraft, generating significantly lower carbon emissions and engine noise, which will lead to making Frontier the most fuel-efficient airline in US.
The aircraft is the first of 158 A321neo’s to be delivered to Frontier between now and 2029. Frontier currently has 226 aircraft in total on order, which will nearly triple its fleet size by the end of the decade.
The aircraft is named Frederick the Bald Eagle, in honor of Pratt’s founder Frederick B. Rentschler featuring Pratt & Whitney's hallmark bald eagle on the tail. In the coming months, Frontier will reveal two additional aircraft named after other Pratt & Whitney pioneers, each with its own unique tail design.
Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, said: “Our employees are the true trailblazers, committed to developing the transformative technologies that will allow the industry to achieve its commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. For the flying public, the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine means a focus on environmental responsibility with less fuel consumption, fewer emissions, and lower noise keeping fares low and contributing to quieter flights and cleaner communities."
Barry Biffle, President and CEO of Frontier, said: “We are thrilled to welcome our first A321neo, powered by Pratt & Whitney's groundbreaking GTF engines, to the Frontier fleet. Frontier is already America's Greenest Airline based on our young, highly fuel-efficient fleet, and these new aircraft will take us to the next level in terms of operational efficiency and a further lessening of our environmental footprint. The operational performance offered by these aircraft will generate savings that can be passed on to our customers, helping us continue to deliver on our mission of providing 'Low Fares Done Right' across America and beyond."
Pratt & Whitney will also provide Frontier with engine maintenance through a long-term EngineWise Comprehensive service agreement.