Montreal, May 3, 2019 – Today, Air Transat, named the 2018 World's Best Leisure Airline, is taking delivery of the first of 15 Airbus A321neoLRs that will be added to its fleet by 2022.
“The arrival of this new generation of aircraft is an important moment for our company and our passengers in many respects,” says Annick Guérard, Chief Operating Officer at Transat. “The Airbus A321neoLR represents what Air Transat stands for today and what we strive for in the coming years. It reinforces our position as a leader in sustainable tourism, while also offering our passengers a superior on-board experience. In addition, the aircraft’s long range will optimize our operations in our core markets, namely in our destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.”
Greenest in its class
The Airbus A321neoLR is in perfect sync with Air Transat’s continued efforts in sustainable tourism. It is powered by Pratt & Whitney engines with the lowest fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 and NOX) in their class. Compared to previous generation Airbus aircraft, the Airbus A321neoLR consumes over 15% less fuel, generates 50% less noise in the cabin and communities, produces about 5,000 fewer tonnes of CO2 a year and lowers NOX emissions—which contribute to smog and acid rain— by 50%.
Renewed on-board experience
Passengers will step into an entirely redesigned cabin, where comfort is crucial. “A key element behind all of our decisions is that we want travellers to feel like they’re on vacation from the moment they set foot on board,” explains Guérard.
Air Transat and Airbus went over every detail of the cabin interior to ensure the best inflight experience possible. “We are proud to deliver the A321LR to Air Transat and to be associated with such a fine, innovative airline,” says Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.
Club Class, with its exclusive cabin and personalized service, was given a new look. Its 12 deep-blue natural leather seats, with their wider individual touch screens, are even more ergonomic and have a leg rest for maximum comfort.
In Economy Class, the 187 light-blue natural leather seats are wider than those of previous generations of Airbus, providing passengers with more personal space. They’re equipped with a state-of-the-art entertainment system, with larger individual touch screens and USB ports to charge electronic devices.
Air Transat’s second Airbus A321neoLR is set to land in June, with four more arriving in fall 2019. New planes will be gradually added, leading to an all-Airbus fleet by 2022. Air Transat has signed a deal with AerCap for the long-term lease of 15 Airbus A321neoLRs.
About Air Transat
Air Transat is Canada’s number one holiday airline. It flies to some 60 destinations in more than 25 countries in the Americas and Europe, offers domestic and feeder flights within Canada, and carries some 5 million passengers every year. Based in Montreal, the company employs 3,000 people. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., a leading integrated international tourism company specializing in holiday travel and offering vacation packages, hotel stays and air travel. Transat was awarded Travelife certification in 2018 in recognition of its commitment to sustainable development.
Recent distinctions and awards (2017-2018)
- Named World’s Best Leisure Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards
- Voted Best Leisure/Charter Airline at the Agents’ Choice Awards presented by Baxter Travel Media
- Voted Best Airline at the Trophées Uni-Vers awards organized by the Association des Agents de Voyages du Québec
Contact: Marie-Annick Lalande, Public Relations and Marketing Advisor, Transat - 514-987-1616, ext. 4076 - marieannick.lalande@transat.com