Air Arabia welcomes first Airbus A320neo from 120-aircraft order (VIDEO)
Sharjah hosts ceremony for the airline’s new aircraft delivery
SHARJAH – Air Arabia has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo aircraft, marking the beginning of its 120-aircraft order placed with Airbus in 2019.
The new addition joins the airline’s current fleet of 83 Airbus A320 Family aircraft, ushering in a new era of growth and sustainable operations.
The order includes 73 A320neo, 27 A321neo and 20 A321XLR aircraft, reflecting Air Arabia’s long-term strategy to expand its network and strengthen operations across key markets.
???? Welcoming our first Airbus A320neo aircraft, marking the start of our 120-aircraft order with Airbus!⁰This brand-new aircraft marks a significant milestone in Air Arabia’s growth and fleet development strategy and will take to the skies on its first commercial flight on 1… pic.twitter.com/R4w7ah0wX4
— Air Arabia (@airarabiagroup) September 29, 2025
With this delivery, the Middle East and North Africa’s largest low-cost carrier continues to underline its commitment to efficiency, innovation and passenger comfort.
Airbus A320neo
The arrival of the A320neo was marked with a ceremony at Sharjah International Airport attended by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, along with senior dignitaries including Sheikh Khalid Bin Issam Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation, Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, and Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia.
The aircraft is set to enter commercial service on 1 October 2025 with its maiden flight on the Sharjah–Bangkok route. This milestone is part of Air Arabia’s second direct order with Airbus, following its earlier 2007 order for 49 A320 aircraft.
The latest order supports fleet strength across Air Arabia’s hubs in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan through Fly Jinnah, ensuring efficient operations across its growing route network. Additional deliveries from the order are expected before the end of this year.
How will it boost operations?
Powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines and equipped with Airbus’s distinctive Sharklets, the A320neo brings significant efficiency gains. The aircraft is expected to deliver a 20 per cent reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, directly aligning with Air Arabia’s sustainability agenda. The airline has positioned the new aircraft to not only support environmental goals but also strengthen operational performance across its expanding network.
Where will passengers benefit?
Passengers can expect comfort consistent with Air Arabia’s current fleet. The A320neo is configured in a single-class cabin layout with 174 seats, providing one of the most generous seat pitches in the economy cabin. Its range of up to six hours offers flexibility for new routes while enhancing passenger convenience.
Onboard, passengers will have access to “SkyTime”, Air Arabia’s complimentary in-flight streaming service, alongside “SkyCafe”, the airline’s signature onboard menu. With these features, the A320neo is set to enhance both connectivity and service experience, reinforcing the airline’s reputation for delivering affordable yet quality travel.
The introduction of the A320neo marks not just a technical upgrade but also a significant milestone in Air Arabia’s history, highlighting its focus on modernisation, sustainability and customer-focused service across the Middle East, North Africa and beyond.