Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Airbus delivers MEA its third A321neo

Middle East Airlines (MEA) has taken delivery of Airbus’ A320 Family aircraft with distinctive manufacturer serial number, 10,000, as the third A321neo to join the all Airbus MEA fleet.

Image copyright Airbus

MSN10,000 is the third A321neo to join the all Airbus MEA fleet, taking the fleet size to 18 aircraft. MEA received its first A321neo aircraft earlier in 2020 and will be taking another six A321neos over the coming months.

The handover of the aircraft took place in Toulouse in the presence of Mohamad El-Hout, Chairman and Director General of MEA.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“We are honoured to receive the state of the art A321neo with its distinctive serial number 10,000 coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Middle East Airlines and specially after receiving MSN5,000 back in 2012. Since we first acquired an A320 Family aircraft in 2003, we have not only benefited from the outstanding operational efficiency of the aircraft but were also the first airline to introduce the wide-body cabin product on a single-aisle aircraft which has become a trend in the airline industry afterwards,” said MEA Chairman and Director General, Mohamad El Hout. “Unfortunately, due to the current situation in Lebanon, this time we will not be able to celebrate the delivery of the MSN10,000 in Beirut, as we did with the MSN5,000, but I am sure that in these challenging circumstances, it is a ray of light, hope and motivation to surpass our nation’s difficulties.”

“Airbus is proud to continue building its long-standing partnership with Middle East Airlines which already operates one of the most modern Airbus fleets in the world. As an all Airbus operator, MEA benefits from the Airbus’ unique fleet commonality between aircraft families and is now adding the third highly fuel-efficient A321neo to step up the game. I admire the agility and the resilience of this company in this complex environment,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “Delivering MSN10,000 is a milestone that demonstrates the success of the A320 Family and we thank our customers globally for their confidence in our products.”

MEA took on MSN5,000 in 2012, after 23 years of Airbus A320 Family production. The next 5,000 took just another eight years to mark this significant MSN10,000 milestone - again with MEA. This achievement is a testimony of the industrial advancement and capabilities by Airbus and the popularity of the latest, even more efficient NEO version of the aircraft.

Advertisement
ODU RT

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.


 

Advertisement
Roke Roke
Birmingham Airport invests further in terminal facilities

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport invests further in terminal facilities

3 April 2025

Birmingham Airport (BHX) is investing further in its infrastructure to ensure ease of travel through the airport for its customers. The next two projects, as part of its previously announced £100m capital spend up to 2033, will benefit those customers arriving through the airport.

Blackstone to acquire stake in AGS Airports

Aerospace

Blackstone to acquire stake in AGS Airports

3 April 2025

Blackstone’s infrastructure strategy for individual investors has agreed to acquire a minority stake of 22% in AGS Airports (AGS), a platform of high-quality freehold airports providing access to key UK markets, from AviAlliance for £235 million.

Virgin Atlantic unveils Clubhouse at LAX

Aerospace

Virgin Atlantic unveils Clubhouse at LAX

2 April 2025

Virgin Atlantic has unveiled its new iconic Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the sixth addition to its growing lounge portfolio.

Boeing names Eric Hill as Investor Relations Leader

Aerospace

Boeing names Eric Hill as Investor Relations Leader

2 April 2025

Boeing has named Eric Hill as vice president of Investor Relations.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Babcock becomes Bluebird K7 engineering partner

Aerospace Events

Babcock becomes Bluebird K7 engineering partner

2 April 2025

Donald Campbell’s record-breaking jet hydroplane, Bluebird K7, returned to her home at the Ruskin Museum in Coniston last month and was back on display in time to celebrate what would have been Donald Campbell’s 104th Birthday.

Farnborough Airport Continues Award Winning Streak for the 19th Consecutive Year

Aerospace

Farnborough Airport Continues Award Winning Streak for the 19th Consecutive Year

31 March 2025

Farnborough Airport, the Birthplace of British Aviation and Europe’s leading airport for premium air travel connectivity, has today announced that it has once again retained its number one position in the Aviation International News (AIN) FBO Survey 2025.

Advertisement
ODU RT