Low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. The airline officially unveiled the aircraft at an event at Tampa International Airport (TPA), Florida, on Tuesday.
It is the first of 158 A321neo aircraft the airline expects to receive from the European aerospace manufacturer through 2029. Frontier currently mantains orders for a total of 226 aircraft. The airline expects to nearly triple the size of its fleet by the end of this decade.
Barry Biffle, the airline’sPpresident and CEO, highlighted the lower fuel consumption of the model compared to previous generations in the same segment. He said they are “the most fuel-efficient aircraft in operation among major U.S. airlines”. He also noted the reduction in carbon emissions and the lower noise impact made possible by the powerplant that drives them.
The ceremony also saw the unveiling of the new aircraft’s striking bald eagle livery on its tail. It is named after Frederick Brant Rentschler, the engineer that founded Pratt & Whitney, whose logo also represents the national bird of the United States.
“With up to 20% in savings, GTF engines are the most fuel efficient with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions for the Airbus A320neo family”, said Rick Deurloo, President of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “These GTF-powered aircraft fly more passengers, farther, more sustainably, and with lower operating costs, helping Frontier add new routes and keep fares low”, he added.
According to its developer, in addition to the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions associated with operations, the powerplant enables up to a 75% reduction in noise footprint and up to 50% lower nitrogen oxide emissions.
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