Lebanon-based Middle East Airlines (MEA) has received its first A321neo aircraft from Airbus’ final assembly line in Hamburg, Germany.

The delivery is the first of nine aircraft to be delivered in the coming months.

The highly-fuel-efficient A321neo will help reduce MEA’s operating costs. The airline’s A321neo is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1100G-JM geared turbofan engines and is configured in a comfortable two-class layout with 28 seats in Business and 132 seats in Economy Class and the latest generation in-flight entertainment system and high-speed connectivity.

The A321neo is the largest member of the A320 Family, seating up to 240 passengers, depending on cabin configuration. Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a reduction in fuel consumption of 20% as well as a 50% noise reduction. 

In June 2019, Middle East Airlines (MEA), the flag carrier of Lebanon, has signed a firm order for four A321XLRs, making it the launch airline customer of Airbus latest evolution of the winning A321neo family. The agreement takes Middle East Airlines’ cumulative single aisle orders with Airbus to 15 A321neo family aircraft, including 11 A321neos and 4 A321XLRs with deliveries starting in 2020. MEA will use the A321XLR to strengthen its network in Africa and Asia.

Middle East Airlines - Air Liban (MEA) was established in 1945. A private commercial company governed by the Commercial Law in managing its operations. MEA is one of the major air carriers in the Middle East region. From its home base in Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, MEA operates flights to 32 international destinations in Europe, Middle East and West Africa. MEA is a member of SkyTeam world alliance which includes a network of airlines that cover 1150 destinations in 177 countries. MEA fleet consists of 19 Airbus aircraft equipped with the latest technologies and in-flight entertainment systems.