Japan's Peach Aviation is set to become the first Asian operator of the Airbus A321LR aircraft, following the conversion of an existing order for two A320neo aircraft.

The aircraft will be joining the fleet of the Osaka-based low cost carrier (LCC) in 2020. The A321LR is the longest-range single-aisle aircraft in the world and will enable Peach Aviation to open new routes from Japan to destinations of up to nine hours flying time.

A signing ceremony took place at Farnborough Air Show, attended by Shinichi Inoue, Peach Aviation Managing Director and CEO, and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

The A321LR features a new door configuration, enabling its operators to accommodate up to 240 passengers in Airbus' widest Single Aisle fuselage in the sky. The new Airspace by Airbus cabin available on the A320 Family additionally enhances the passengers' unrivalled travel experience.

Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a significant reduction in fuel consumption of 20 percent by 2020. With more than 1900 orders received from over 50 customers, to date the A321neo has captured some 80 percent of market share, making it the true aircraft of choice in the Middle of the Market. The LR option extends the aircraft's range to up to 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km) and brings with it a 30-percent reduction in operating cost compared to its nearest competitor.

Contributed by Airbus