The world’s first Airbus A320neo now with Lufthansa

A number of delegates from both Lufthansa and Airbus - including Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr and Airbus CEO Fabrice Brégier - were present in Hamburg-Finkenwerder to celebrate the handover of the brand new aircraft, which is set to be deployed to Hamburg and Munich as its first two destinations.

World's first Airbus A320neo. The A320neo (new engine option) is a quiet and more efficient aircraft thanks to new engines and improved aerodynamics - with almost 50 per cent less noise emissions compared to the current A320 and 15 per cent less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than that of today's comparable models. It also features a new cabin arrangement for more efficient use of space and up to 180 seats.

New PW1100G engines with "Geared Turbofan" technology "We are pleased to be the first airline in the world to take possession of the Airbus A320neo today. The cutting-edge technologies of Airbus and Pratt & Whitney make the A320neo the most efficient and quietest aircraft for short- and medium-haul flights by far. The lower fuel consumption results in lower CO2 emissions and gives the A320neo a significantly improved carbon footprint. The new engine technology also makes the aircraft significantly quieter," says Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG.

Final touches being applied to world's first A320neo "Today we are proving once again that we as an aviation and airline group are pioneers in the development and introduction of technological innovations. This year alone Lufthansa will take possession of a total of 52 new aircraft for the group’s airlines,” Spohr continued. The first Lufthansa Airbus A320neo will be transferred to its future home in Frankfurt later this week, before being deployed on its first commercial flight to Hamburg on January 24. Munich will also later be served by the aircraft.

Final pieces being put together The A320neo has a total of 180 seats spread over two classes - Business Class and Economy Class. Inside the cabin, the galleys and lavatories in the front and back of the aircraft have been newly arranged, allowing for a more efficient use of available space, Lufthansa stated. Business Class passengers will therefore benefit from greater legroom in the front rows, and the new arrangement also creates room for a further two rows with 12 additional seats in Economy Class.

World's first A320neo will take off to Hamburg on Jan 24 The Lufthansa Group has a total of 116 neo-type aircraft on order, 45 of them the larger A321neo version. The new aircraft are intended for Lufthansa and Swiss. By the end of 2016, a total of five A320neo aircraft should have been handed over to Lufthansa.