Virgin America takes delivery of first LEAP-1A-powered A321neo

Virgin America took delivery of the Airbus A321neo aircraft on April 20, powered by CFM International’s advanced LEAP-1A engines. The San Francisco-based airline is the first in the world to take delivery of this aircraft type. “We have been with Virgin America from the beginning and we are excited to launch this new chapter in that relationship,” said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO of CFM International. “The LEAP-1A has done extremely well in its first months of commercial service. It is proving unprecedented levels of fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility while maintaining the level of reliability Virgin America has come to expect from CFM. We think they will be very pleased with all our engine has to offer.” Virgin America currently operates a fleet of 63 Airbus A320 family aircraft comprised of A319ceo and A320ceo aircraft powered by CFM’s CFM56-5B engines. The new A321neo will become the largest aircraft in Virgin America’s fleet, featuring 185 seats – a 24% higher capacity at same comfort levels than its current A320s. The aircraft is expected to enter service on May 31, 2017 with an inaugural flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).