Air France Takes Delivery Of Milestone Plane

European planemaker Airbus recently delivered the 500th A321 ever produced. The aircraft was handed over to Air France at Airbus' Delivery Centre in Hamburg.

The A321 is the largest member of the popular A320 Family. Airbus says it is the most efficient single-aisle aircraft in its segment -- which consists of larger variants of Boeing's Next-Generation 737 line, as well as the discontinued Boeing 757.

Air France's A321 can accommodate 174 passengers, and is powered by CFM 56-5B/3 engines.

"Air France was the first airline to operate the A320 and in our 75th anniversary year we are pleased to be receiving the 500th A321, the largest member of the family. Air France was also the first major airline to operate all four members of the A320 Family in 2003 and they have served us on our medium haul network and will continue to do so", said Pierre Vellay, Senior VP New Aircraft and Corporate Fleet Planning Air France.

"We are delighted that Air France continues to renew its medium haul fleet with A321s; the preferred aircraft on medium range high-density routes," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. "Airbus invests around 100 million Euros every year to keep the A320 the most eco-efficient single aisle aircraft in the world. Reaching the milestone of 500 deliveries proves the sustainability of these investments and underlines the leading position of the A321 in its market segment in terms of operational efficiency, passenger comfort and environmental friendliness."

The first A321 was delivered in 1994, as well as the first one to the Air France Group. To date, Airbus has sold more than 750 A321s to about 65 customers all around the world.

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.airfrance.com