AEGEAN has announced its strategic decision to invest in an extended-range and upgraded cabin quality version of the Airbus A321neo, creating a dedicated “special purpose” sub-fleet initially comprising four aircraft. These specially configured A321neo aircraft will be capable of reaching further destinations, primarily targeting markets to the South and South-East of Greece. Equipped with additional fuel tanks, they will have operational capabilities for flights of up to 7.5 hours.
The cabin configuration of these aircraft will undergo a significant overhaul, offering a higher level of comfort for both economy- and business-class passengers. The seat count will be reduced from 220 in AEGEAN's standard A321neo version to fewer than 180 seats. Additional features will include satellite connectivity, in-flight entertainment (IFE screens) at every seat and a premium lie-flat seat business-class product.
AEGEAN intends to utilise this product to service existing and potential new non-EU destinations with flight times ranging from approximately four to 7.5 hours. These destinations include locations in the Gulf region (e.g., Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai), Central Africa (e.g., Lagos, Addis Ababa, Nairobi), and Asia (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Almaty). Given the longer flight durations and unique market characteristics, AEGEAN aims to meet the demand for higher comfort and lower seat density on these routes compared to typical intra-European flights. The company aims to elevate its service quality and develop these markets by offering an appropriately upgraded product.
The new upgraded “special purpose” aircraft are scheduled for delivery to AEGEAN in 2026 and 2027.
in late 2023, AEGEAN exercised three additional Airbus A321neo aircraft options under the purchase agreement with Airbus and proceeded with the conversion of five firm orders of A320neo to A321neo. Following these options and conversions the total number of A320/321neo-family aircraft already received or on-order, reached 50 of which 29 are now A321neos. Among the 29 neos, 25 will be with the current standard configuration while an initial four will be upgraded with the new “special purpose” longer range and higher comfort configuration for non-EU, longer flight time destinations. In total 28 Airbus 320/321neo aircraft have been delivered to date while further 22 are to be received during the period 2024-2028.
