Aegean today announced its strategic decision to invest in, initially, four aircraft of a "specially configured", upgraded version of the A321neo, with longer range capability, which will be able to reach and serve markets outside the EU, mainly in the south and southeast of Greece.
AUTONOMY
These new and specially configured aircraft will have a larger fuel capacity, providing autonomy for flights of up to 7.5 hours, the company said in a statement. At the same time, their cabin configuration will be upgraded to provide a completely different, higher level of comfort for both Economy and Business Class passengers, with a significantly smaller number of seats (less than 180), compared to the standard Aegean A321neo (220 seats).
Additional features of these aircraft include satellite Wi-Fi connectivity, entertainment screens (IFE) in every seat, and a highly upgraded Business Class product with lie flat seats. Aegean will organise a media event in the second quarter of 2024 to present the features of these new aircraft. Aegean's objective, through the investment in the new purpose-built aircraft, is to provide upgraded services to existing and new destinations outside the EU with flight times ranging from 4 to 7.5 hours.
DESTINATIONS
In particular, they will be used for destinations in the Gulf region that are already included in its network (e.g. Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai) or are potential new additions to the region (e.g. Bahrain, Doha, Doha, Oman) but also for new potential destinations in Central Africa (e.g. Lagos, Nairobi, Addis Ababa) or in Asia with the possibility of covering destinations such as Delhi and Mumbai in India or Almaty in Kazakhstan. Carriers that typically use aircraft with cabins that ensure greater comfort and lower seat density than the "standard" cabin configuration (for the same carriers) for shorter flights within Europe serve these destinations outside the EU with flight times of between 4 and 7.5 hours from European metropolises.
This new investment in'special purpose' aircraft and the quality of Aegean's crews will present a highly upgraded product for the needs of these markets. These new aircraft are expected to be delivered and join Aegean's fleet in 2026 and 2027.
"We believe in the growth opportunity for Aegean and our country in markets beyond the EU, in the Gulf region, in Central Africa and in regions of Asia that, due to our geographical location at the south-eastern tip of Europe, can be served with a longer range version of the A321neo aircraft," Aegean CEO Dimitris Gerogiannis says, adding: "We also recognise that longer flight duration requires an upgraded level of comfort and overall passenger experience. We are making a significant investment in an initial four (4) longer range aircraft but also in a completely new level of comfort and experience, giving our people the right tool to showcase Aegean's values in these markets as well. This move is another important step in expanding our capabilities, both in terms of quality and geographical coverage, and we look forward to welcoming our passengers, also from these markets, on our flights in the coming years."
It is noted that at the end of 2023, Aegean exercised the right (Option) provided for in the agreement with Airbus to purchase three additional A321neo aircraft, as well as converting five initial orders of A320neo aircraft to the larger A321neo.
Following these moves, the total number of A320/321 family neo aircraft already delivered or ordered has reached 50, of which 29 are now A321neo. Of the 29 total A321neo, four will initially be for the longer range special version. A total of 28 neo aircraft have already been delivered to date, with a further 22 to be delivered between 2024-2028.
