Air Austral, said it has received the first of the three A220s from the Airbus A220 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Mirabel, Canada. The second and third aircraft were expected to join the Air Austral fleet almost immediately.
Air Austral said it selected the Airbus A220-300 as part of its medium and short-haul fleet modernization plan in order to boost its operational efficiency, offering an enhanced passenger experience in a comfortable two-class cabin layout with 132 seats: 12 in business class and 120 in economy-class.
Bearing the airline’s distinctive livery representing La Reunion Island’s beautiful landscapes, Air Austral revealed that it will strengthen its regional network with three A220-300s, flying on routes between La Reunion Island and Mauritius, Mayotte, Seychelles, South Africa, Madagascar, and as far as India.
Powered by latest-generation geared turbofan engines, Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G, the A220 is the quietest and most eco-friendly aircraft in its category. The aircraft features a 50% reduced noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft, 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat as well as 50% lower NOx emissions than current industry standards.