easyJet received their first A321neo yesterday (Friday 13th July), arriving at Luton the airlines HQ for some checks and maintenance, and will then head to the Farnborough Airshow next week.

Link showing a video of the delivery flight, arriving at LTN.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd_t-UnIF5s

This is the first of thirty to arrive and looks like they will all be London Gatwick based, which is by far the airlines largest base.

This will allow them to boost capacity at the airport, with the limited number of runway slots they have at the worlds busiest single runway airport. They will replace the A320's, which are currently based there and these will in turn be passed down the fleet and grow operations at other bases.

This new aircraft type will offer 49 additional seats, compared to the 186 seats offered on the A320's.
(Some of the older A320's are 180 seaters.)

It's going to be a fantastic aircraft for Easyjet. Its perfect for their operation and will increase their yields I am sure.

Does anyone know the turnaround times for A320Neo vs A321Neo?

Is this the first production aircraft A321NEO with the new exit configuration (overwing exits and relocated L/R3)?

Looks nice, looking forward to see interior pics and videos. Looks like it has two galley units in the front (first window missing after R1)... or is it a lavatory?

easyJet will probably print money with this aircraft.

An extra cabin crew member will be needed as over 200 seats, think this is why FR won't go over 200 with any 737Max they'll order in future.

No black windshield? I didn't realize this was optional. Since it's supposed to be cost saving wouldn't easy jet want this?

Samrnpage wrote:

It's going to be a fantastic aircraft for Easyjet. Its perfect for their operation and will increase their yields I am sure.

Does anyone know the turnaround times for A320Neo vs A321Neo?

Not really sure about easyJet as don't work for them or in the know, but looking on FlightRadar24 for Wizz Air who operate both the A320 and A321 (Classics) out of Luton and have a very large operation there, they operate turnarounds of 25 minutes for the A320 and 35 minutes for the A321!

easyJet seems to operate quite flexible turnaround times, and depends on many factors... For example the airports they are operating into, and if they are congested or slot restricted and I've also noticed on the longer sector flights of 4-5 hours (like LTN-PFO or LGW-HRG) they seem to have a 40-45 minute turnaround time, and this is with the current A319/320's.

Wizz Air actively avoid using air bridges, as usually that means all passengers board and dis-embark via only one door way which takes some time, and by using steps people can use both the front and rear doors, this also usually reduces airport fees... However easyJet actively uses air bridges at airports for the current fleet when available, and this needs to be factored into turnaround times, I wonder if easyJet might avoid them with the A321's?

I can't give an exact reference, but I am sure I read somewhere the A321's will mainly be used on the longer leisure routes, and the smaller aircraft fly on the short city routes which demand more multiple daily frequencies over capacity. So I guess if the A321's will be doing fewer sectors per daynbut longer flights, so a slightly increased turnaround time will not be as noticeable, to the aircraft's daily operations.

CRJ900 wrote:

easyJet will probably print money with this aircraft.

The head of Wizz Air couldn't stop raving about the A321's after they added them to the fleet, and how it drove down their costs further! I can't quote it exactly, but remember him saying the costs were so low, even if some of the flights they were operating, only had the same number of passengers on as an A320 which is (180-186 passengers), they would still be making very healthy margins and only slightly lower than to their A320's. But obviously with a full flight the costs would be significantly lower and are currently achieving load factors of more than 93%!

Bear in mind this is Wizz Air talking about the A321ceo's and with the neo's costs savings will be even more significant and currently have 183 of them on order!

(Sorry about talking about Wizz Air in an easyJet post, but both airlines are similar European low cost carriers and operated the A320 before upgrading the A321 with similar seat numbers on both planes.)

TC957 wrote:

An extra cabin crew member will be needed as over 200 seats, think this is why FR won't go over 200 with any 737Max they'll order in future.

An extra cabin crew for 49 extra seats. Seems ok to me as the ratio is 50:1. The only thing is crew planning will be a little more complicated at those bases, but I think they will stick to LGW for a while....

CRJ900 wrote:

Looks nice, looking forward to see interior pics and videos. Looks like it has two galley units in the front (first window missing after R1)... or is it a lavatory?

I'd also love to see the interior. Just flow last monday an IB A320NEO with the new SpaceFlex lavatory config at the rear. It fells more spacious than I though just by looking photos.
The only thing bizarre is that last two rows lack windows. Three pannels had no window.

On A321s, if you are going to miss the windows, i'd rather add a third lav on the left (just were the existing lav is right now on CEOs) and a galley at the right side to complement the minigalley left by the spaceflex config.

gilesdavies wrote:

Samrnpage wrote:

It's going to be a fantastic aircraft for Easyjet. Its perfect for their operation and will increase their yields I am sure.

Does anyone know the turnaround times for A320Neo vs A321Neo?

Not really sure about easyJet as don't work for them or in the know, but looking on FlightRadar24 for Wizz Air who operate both the A320 and A321 (Classics) out of Luton and have a very large operation there, they operate turnarounds of 25 minutes for the A320 and 35 minutes for the A321!

easyJet seems to operate quite flexible turnaround times, and depends on many factors... For example the airports they are operating into, and if they are congested or slot restricted and I've also noticed on the longer sector flights of 4-5 hours (like LTN-PFO or LGW-HRG) they seem to have a 40-45 minute turnaround time, and this is with the current A319/320's.

Wizz Air actively avoid using air bridges, as usually that means all passengers board and dis-embark via only one door way which takes some time, and by using steps people can use both the front and rear doors, this also usually reduces airport fees... However easyJet actively uses air bridges at airports for the current fleet when available, and this needs to be factored into turnaround times, I wonder if easyJet might avoid them with the A321's?

I can't give an exact reference, but I am sure I read somewhere the A321's will mainly be used on the longer leisure routes, and the smaller aircraft fly on the short city routes which demand more multiple daily frequencies over capacity. So I guess if the A321's will be doing fewer sectors per daynbut longer flights, so a slightly increased turnaround time will not be as noticeable, to the aircraft's daily operations.

CRJ900 wrote:

easyJet will probably print money with this aircraft.

The head of Wizz Air couldn't stop raving about the A321's after they added them to the fleet, and how it drove down their costs further! I can't quote it exactly, but remember him saying the costs were so low, even if some of the flights they were operating, only had the same number of passengers on as an A320 which is (180-186 passengers), they would still be making very healthy margins and only slightly lower than to their A320's. But obviously with a full flight the costs would be significantly lower and are currently achieving load factors of more than 93%!

Bear in mind this is Wizz Air talking about the A321ceo's and with the neo's costs savings will be even more significant and currently have 183 of them on order!

(Sorry about talking about Wizz Air in an easyJet post, but both airlines are similar European low cost carriers and operated the A320 before upgrading the A321 with similar seat numbers on both planes.)

Thank you for taking time to answer!

I don’t think the extra cabin crew member is a big cost issue .... they’re fairly cheap to employ and probably the additional cost per sector is covered by extra coffees and scratch cards

Slightly off track .... just flew Wizz for the first time ... they are easily the best quality experience on a Lcc and with Ryanair offering the best prices ... not sure what easyJet’s strategy is exactly ... maybe as a feeder to BA at Gatwick ...

What are the first routes gonna be?

She's a beaut!

Kno wrote:

No black windshield? I didn't realize this was optional. Since it's supposed to be cost saving wouldn't easy jet want this?

The windscreen "mask" is a standard feature on the A350 and A330N but isn't offered on the A320 series, unless the airline makes it part of their livery (a la AC).

In the case of the A350, it's a cost-saving measure in as much as it means they only have to make one colour of windscreen surround.

OA940 wrote:

What are the first routes gonna be?

Looking at the Galileo GDS timetable, first routes showing the 321 will be LGW-FAO 16 Jul, AGP 17 Jul, FUE 19 Jul, ACE 20 Jul, LCA 23 Jul and TFS 24 Jul. I read somewhere that on Wed 18 Jul it will make an appearance at the Farnborough show.

TC957 wrote:

An extra cabin crew member will be needed as over 200 seats, think this is why FR won't go over 200 with any 737Max they'll order in future.

Not an issue really as they carry an extra crew member on the 319''s for an additional 6 passengers. So 1 extra crew member for 49 is not an issue especially as its law for it to be 1 for every 50 so its almost the most efficient seat to crew increase ratio.

XAM2175 wrote:

The windscreen "mask" is a standard feature on the A350 and A330N but isn't offered on the A320 series, unless the airline makes it part of their livery (a la AC).

I don't think that's correct, in fact you seem to be completely wrong about that:

CRJ900 wrote:

Is this the first production aircraft A321NEO with the new exit configuration (overwing exits and relocated L/R3)?

Looks nice, looking forward to see interior pics and videos. Looks like it has two galley units in the front (first window missing after R1)... or is it a lavatory?

easyJet will probably print money with this aircraft.

Yes, it is the first with overwing exits. Interior includes a fwd half galley for half trolleys and canisters just behind door R1 and aft galley and 2 lavatories the same as the 186 A320s

OA940 wrote:

What are the first routes gonna be?

U2 8925 and U2 8926 LGW-FAO-LGW

Jayafe wrote:

I don't think that's correct, in fact you seem to be completely wrong about that:

It's not used on the Airbus prototypes or the aircraft delivered to LH, VX, 6E, and now U2 - so unless I've missed a change in Airbus practice I'm assuming IB have chosen to add it themselves, quite possibly as a way of making the A320Ns stand out as new and different.

That is, after all, the reason Airbus apply it to the A330N.

XAM2175 wrote:

Jayafe wrote:

I don't think that's correct, in fact you seem to be completely wrong about that:

It's not used on the Airbus prototypes or the aircraft delivered to LH, VX, 6E, and now U2 - so unless I've missed a change in Airbus practice I'm assuming IB have chosen to add it themselves, quite possibly as a way of making the A320Ns stand out as new and different.

That is, after all, the reason Airbus apply it to the A330N.

And I'm assuming Iberia have chosen to add it in an attempt to liven up a dull ivery ! In practical terms, on the A350 does it also offer any kind of anti-glare benefit or is it too small in surface area ? Back on topic though, how many A321neo do Easyjet have on order ?

JannEejit wrote:

Back on topic though, how many A321neo do Easyjet have on order ?

They've ordered 30 so far, so 29 to go!

XAM2175 wrote:

Jayafe wrote:

I don't think that's correct, in fact you seem to be completely wrong about that:

It's not used on the Airbus prototypes or the aircraft delivered to LH, VX, 6E, and now U2 - so unless I've missed a change in Airbus practice I'm assuming IB have chosen to add it themselves, quite possibly as a way of making the A320Ns stand out as new and different.

That is, after all, the reason Airbus apply it to the A330N.

Oh yes, Airbus did apply the mask to their ACF prototype.

IMG_3375_1600 by Maxi-Air, auf Flickr


BTW Turkish also took delivery of their first A321neo with ACF. An airwaysmag article claimed they were the first to take an ACF delivery, which would make Easyjet second.

I think they both took delivery the same day? So far I've seen 6 ACF'S for easyJet. They seem to be pushing them through quite quick for now.

MaxiAir wrote:

XAM2175 wrote:

Jayafe wrote:

I don't think that's correct, in fact you seem to be completely wrong about that:

It's not used on the Airbus prototypes or the aircraft delivered to LH, VX, 6E, and now U2 - so unless I've missed a change in Airbus practice I'm assuming IB have chosen to add it themselves, quite possibly as a way of making the A320Ns stand out as new and different.

That is, after all, the reason Airbus apply it to the A330N.

Oh yes, Airbus did apply the mask to their ACF prototype.

IMG_3375_1600 by Maxi-Air, auf Flickr


BTW Turkish also took delivery of their first A321neo with ACF. An airwaysmag article claimed they were the first to take an ACF delivery, which would make Easyjet second.

Galwayman wrote:

I don’t think the extra cabin crew member is a big cost issue .... they’re fairly cheap to employ and probably the additional cost per sector is covered by extra coffees and scratch cards

Slightly off track .... just flew Wizz for the first time ... they are easily the best quality experience on a Lcc and with Ryanair offering the best prices ... not sure what easyJet’s strategy is exactly ... maybe as a feeder to BA at Gatwick ...

Feeder to BA? With over 300 aircraft around, I highly doubt it. Don't forget they have huge a presence in France, Switzerland, The Netherlands and the rest of the UK. I read somewhere that 60% of all traffic between AMS and LON is in U2 hands, given the amount of flying that both BA and KL do between those cities, I think that answers the question. Lots of business routes, combined with sun/leisure routes.
Why can't there be more than 2 LCC's flying around the skies? The way you ask it, you can also doubt DY, VY and the rest.
As to the turnaround times, depending on airports I heard a friend mentioning 40 minutes, not sure if this is correct.
On topic, congratulations to them on the arrival of the first A321Neo!

This extra FA to me sounds like nonsense. 40 x £60 = £2400, you dont pay an FA £2400 per flight....

Samrnpage wrote:

This extra FA to me sounds like nonsense. 40 x £60 = £2400, you dont pay an FA £2400 per flight....

Not all of the fare goes to paying FAs.

Galwayman wrote:

not sure what easyJet’s strategy is exactly ... maybe as a feeder to BA at Gatwick ...

funniest thing I've read all day. easyJet have something like 80 aircraft based at LGW.. BA have less than half that at LGW. easyJet are by fare the largest carrier at LGW with around 40% off all capacity at that airport.

I have read that easyJet have 235 seats in their A321neo, that's three less seats than WizzAir. Is this difference because easyJet have an extra fourth toilette, or it the missing half row used for additional galley trolleys?

anstar wrote:

Galwayman wrote:

not sure what easyJet’s strategy is exactly ... maybe as a feeder to BA at Gatwick ...

funniest thing I've read all day. easyJet have something like 80 aircraft based at LGW.. BA have less than half that at LGW. easyJet are by fare the largest carrier at LGW with around 40% off all capacity at that airport.

Easyjet is a feeder for Norwegian at LGW. When flying easyJet from any destination in Europe you can transfer to a Norwegian long haul flight at LGW. Tickets can be ordered through easyJet: http://www.easyjet.com/en/worldwide

(You can also transfer to a BA flight using Gatwick Connect.)

reidar76 wrote:

anstar wrote:

Galwayman wrote:

not sure what easyJet’s strategy is exactly ... maybe as a feeder to BA at Gatwick ...

funniest thing I've read all day. easyJet have something like 80 aircraft based at LGW.. BA have less than half that at LGW. easyJet are by fare the largest carrier at LGW with around 40% off all capacity at that airport.

Easyjet is a feeder for Norwegian at LGW. When flying easyJet from any destination in Europe you can transfer to a Norwegian long haul flight at LGW. Tickets needs to be ordered through easyJet: http://www.easyjet.com/en/worldwide



(You can also transfer to a BA flight using Gatwick Connect.)

The arrangements EZY has with other carriers via Worldwide sit separately to how GAL run the service itself - so although you can book EZY-BA on the Gatwick Connects platform, you can only book EZY-Norwegian/WestJet/Thomas Cook on Worldwide, which includes the Gatwick Connects product.

reidar76 wrote:

I have read that easyJet have 235 seats in their A321neo, that's three less seats than WizzAir. Is this difference because easyJet have an extra fourth toilette, or it the missing half row used for additional galley trolleys?

Only 3 toilets on the EZY 321

Samrnpage wrote:

It's going to be a fantastic aircraft for Easyjet. Its perfect for their operation and will increase their yields I am sure.

Does anyone know the turnaround times for A320Neo vs A321Neo?

The ACAP has 52 minutes for the A321 and 44 minutes turnaround for the A320 using a jet bridge for two class configurations. Unfortunately for high density all economy layouts, the Airbus ACAPs only show using 2 doors for boarding. They don’t show all economy with a jetbridge 1 door boarding layout.

Just noticed that easyJet's first A321neo is equipped with leather seats, unlike any other easyJet aircraft (apart from leased ex-AB A320s). Will these be used on other new aircraft delivered as well or is this exclusively for the A321? I hope they've made other changes to the cabin, would be nice to see USB ports...

Also, does anyone know which routes the A321 will first be deployed on? I think it will fly out of LGW first, it just positioned to there from LTN.

Thank god for leather seats ... the cloth ones look dirty and tacky , good to see EasyJet herrings it’s act together

Finally leather seats , well done EasyJet

Erebus wrote:

Samrnpage wrote:

This extra FA to me sounds like nonsense. 40 x £60 = £2400, you dont pay an FA £2400 per flight....

Not all of the fare goes to paying FAs.

40 x coffee x 4 segments + a scratch card = more than enough for the extra FA for a day , probably much more

Have you not noticed we already have a thread on this subject??

jghealey wrote:

Just noticed that easyJet's first A321neo is equipped with leather seats, unlike any other easyJet aircraft (apart from leased ex-AB A320s). Will these be used on other new aircraft delivered as well or is this exclusively for the A321? I hope they've made other changes to the cabin, would be nice to see USB ports...

Also, does anyone know which routes the A321 will first be deployed on? I think it will fly out of LGW first, it just positioned to there from LTN.

All new deliveries will be with the faux leather seats. No USB ports as its too costly to maintain.

jghealey wrote:

Just noticed that easyJet's first A321neo is equipped with leather seats, unlike any other easyJet aircraft (apart from leased ex-AB A320s). Will these be used on other new aircraft delivered as well or is this exclusively for the A321? I hope they've made other changes to the cabin, would be nice to see USB ports...

Also, does anyone know which routes the A321 will first be deployed on? I think it will fly out of LGW first, it just positioned to there from LTN.

How do you know it has leather seats? I wouldn't bet on USB ports, added weight...

Surprised they didn't cut out the middle man and put it straight on the Austrian registry. Or do they have to establish the 32N Mx program for the CAA first before they can port it to another EASA member?

They have eleather seats and USB or any power outlet will not feature on any U2 aircraft

Bhoy wrote:

Surprised they didn't cut out the middle man and put it straight on the Austrian registry. Or do they have to establish the 32N Mx program for the CAA first before they can port it to another EASA member?

I think the A321s are going to be UK-based, maybe even all LGW-based. Seems a bit pointless to put them on the Austrian register.

All 30 will be LGW based. However I'd be highly surprised if easyJet do not order significantly more A321s in time, which will spread across the network.

This is an A321-251NX. Along with TC-LSA, this is one of the first A321 cabin flexes to be delivered.