Spirit Airlines recently unveiled the first of its new Airbus A321neo aircraft in a ceremony at the airline’s Detroit maintenance hangar. The new aircraft will operate its first commercial flight on June 7.
Spirit plans to accept seven more new A321neos in 2023, and 24 more are projected for delivery in 2024 in addition to other A320 Family aircraft deliveries.
The induction of the new aircraft forms part of the airline’s fleet renewal process as it plans to gradually shift from the A319 variant.
Spirit currently operates 30 A321ceo aircraft in its fleet of nearly 200 aircraft.
Airbus said that all of Spirit’s A321 aircraft will be delivered with new engine option (NEO) advanced engines that together with fuel-saving Sharklet wingtip devices, are 20% more fuel-efficient than A321ceo aircraft.
“Adding this new variant of the A320 Family aircraft to our fleet is a feat that has been years in the making. I’m grateful for all our Team Members who made it possible for us to step up our capabilities and open the door to new horizons for Spirit,” said Ted Christie, President and CEO, Spirit Airlines. “We know our Guests enjoy the brand-new plane experience combined with our latest cabin upgrades, and on the business side of the equation, this transition will increase our average gauge, which will drive efficiencies that benefit unit costs and reduce fuel burn.”
Spirit is currently in a fleet renewal process as it is retiring its A319ceo aircraft while adding larger, more modern aircraft to increase capacity and fuel efficiency.
As part of this process, Spirit recently completed an agreement to sell 29 of its A319ceo aircraft, which are the oldest aircraft in Spirit’s fleet and the smallest of the Airbus A320 Family aircraft.
The company is planning for all its A319ceo aircraft to transition out the fleet by the end of 2025.