Wizz Air has taken delivery of the first of 32 directly purchased A320s, which is featuring the all new A320 Family cabin, giving passengers more space and a quieter travel experience.

The aircraft is powered by International Aero Engines V2500 and configured in a comfortable single-class layout, seating up to 180 passengers.

The rapidly expanding Central and Eastern Europe's low-cost airline already operates a young Airbus fleet of nine A320s. It will be using the new aircraft to reinforce and expand its extensive network from Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Croatia, Slovenia and Romania, to 40 destinations on more than 70 routes.

"As the largest airline in Central and Eastern Europe, we have to go for the best aircraft to match our needs and high expectations in terms of operational reliability and customer service excellence. The A320 fulfils our criteria perfectly, and the new cabin we are now receiving gives us an extra edge to offer even superior comfort to our passengers. There simply is no alternative that could ensure our way to leadership as the A320 does", said Jozsef Varadi, Chief Executive Officer of Wizz Air.

"Wizz Air, the successful low cost carrier for Central and Eastern Europe proves us right with their choice of the A320. Basing its operation on the best selling single aisle aircraft family, Wizz Air shows its dedication to its customers in offering the latest Airbus technology. Part of Airbus' non-stop innovation, the A320 featuring the new cabin offers the lowest operation cost for the highest passenger comfort" said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

The all new cabin, as the latest A320 innovation, further enhances the high level of passenger comfort. The new design gives more space at shoulder level, 15% more useable overhead stowage volume and a measurable noise reduction in the cabin, combined with state of the art design features. Furthermore, the new cabin is lighter in weight, making the aircraft even more fuel efficient, a benefit in terms of operational costs and environmental progress. The latest A320 models also feature additional advanced aerodynamics helping reduce fuel burn even further.

Over 5,000 Airbus A320 Family have been sold and over 3000 delivered to more than 180 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world's best selling single aircraft family ever.

Photograph: The first of 32 A320s directly purchased by Wizz Air has been delivered to the Central / Eastern European low-cost carrier; Photographer: P. Masclet