Aer Lingus leases two new Airbus aircraft to boost short-haul fleet

Aer Lingus is leasing two Airbus jets from Irish business CDB Aviation to boost the airline’s short-haul fleet.

The Irish carrier said on Friday that it has agreed to lease two Airbus A320neo aircraft, which it will use mainly on its Dublin-to-Heathrow services.

Aer Lingus noted that the new aircraft would complement the A321 long-range craft that it has been adding to its fleet in recent years.

The jets have 186 seats against the previous A320 model’s 174, they burn 20 per cent less fuel and make half the noise of their predecessors. CDB will deliver the aircraft to Aer Lingus in the airline’s livery.

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The carrier hopes to acquire two more A320neos next year as it expands its fleet.

Aer Lingus chief executive Lynne Embleton noted that the aircraft would emit less carbon dioxide as they burn less fuel.

“Equally, these more environmentally-friendly aircraft incur lower landing charges in some key airports, so the new A320neos will help us to reduce costs,” she added.

CDB chief executive Patrick Hannigan predicted the advantages of the new aircraft would strengthen Aer Lingus’s position among European airlines.