Frontier Airlines has received its first Airbus A321neo at its base at Tampa International Airport (TPA).
The aircraft is the first of 158 A321neo’s Frontier expects to receive over the next six years.
With 240 seats, the Frontier A321neo is a bit dense – the A321neo maximum certified capacity is 244 seats – so the airline is keeping quiet about comfort.
The emphasis is on fuel efficiency, carbon emissions and engine noise – areas where the Airbus neos excel.
Frontier says its A321neo, powered by Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines, will be the most fuel-efficient commercial aircraft among any U.S. airline. They will generate significantly lower carbon emissions and engine noise.
Barry Biffle, president and CEO, Frontier Airlines:
“The addition of these new A321neo’s to our fleet will make the greenest airline in the U.S. even greener with these aircraft able to achieve 120 miles per gallon per seat.
“They are the most fuel-efficient aircraft in operation among major U.S. airlines and are capable of delivering immediate, tangible reductions in fuel consumption, carbon emissions and engine noise. Frontier continues to lead the way in reducing fuel consumption and lessening our environmental footprint and the addition of the A321neo to our fleet is another step in that journey.
“The introduction of the A321neo into our fleet is an important step in our company’s sustainability goals and continued growth.
“The fuel-efficiency offered by this aircraft also provides savings that can be passed on to our customers, helping us continue to deliver on our mission of providing ‘Low Fares Done Right’ across America and beyond.”
Jeff Knittel, chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas:
“Frontier has the largest A321neo backlog in North America — a concrete example of their core focus on efficiency and the environment.
“With its lower fuel burn, emissions and noise footprint, the A321neo will fly Frontier deep into the ‘green’ future, pleasing passengers while concentrating on sustainability, priorities we at Airbus admire and share.”
Prat & Whitney GTF engines
According to Airbus the neo ‘provides minimum change with maximum benefit‘.
This is mainly achieved by introducing two new features:
- New engines – from Pratt & Whitney or CFM
- Airbus’ Sharklet wingtip devices
Pratt & Whitney says its GT engine reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, NOx emissions and noise footprint.
They are certified for operation on 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and have been successfully tested on 100% SAF,
Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney:
“With up to 20 percent in savings, GTF engines are the most fuel efficient with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions for the Airbus A320neo family. These GTF-powered aircraft fly more passengers, farther, more sustainably, and with lower operating costs — helping Frontier add new routes and keep fares low.”
New A321neo named after Pratt & Whitney founder
Frontier’s first A321neo is in a special-edition livery and has a bald eagle on its tail. This is a tribute to Frederick B. Rentschler, the founder of Pratt & Whitney.
Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney:
“Frederick Rentschler transformed aviation with the most efficient, dependable engines of their time. Our employees, who voted to name this plane in his honor, carry on his vision with new technologies like the revolutionary geared fan at the heart of our GTF engines.”
All Frontier aircraft feature an animal on their tail, many of them endangered and threatened species.
