| Hakim Hayat in Toulouse, France |
NATIONAL carrier Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) marked a significant milestone by taking delivery of the first of its Airbus A320neo aircraft, bringing new levels of efficiency and vast opportunities for route expansion of the airline’s regional network.
It is first of the seven A320neo aircraft ordered by the airline under its single aisle fleet renewal programme announced in 2014.
Powered by CFM International LEAP-1A26 engines, the new aircraft features a premium three-class layout with 12 business class, 18 economy plus and 120 main cabin seats, in addition to a new in-flight entertainment system.
In his speech during a delivery ceremony held at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France on Thursday, the Chief Executive Officer of RB Karam Chand said that the engines come with some of the best fuel, noise, emission and operating efficiency in its class which together deliver up to 15 per cent in fuel savings, allowing the national carrier to open new medium-haul routes in the region and also reduce its emissions footprint.
“We are based in Brunei on the island of Borneo which has some of the most pristine environment on earth and we are pleased to be playing a part in preserving this,” he added.
He also said the RB A320neo aircraft is also the world’s first narrow body fitted with Thales Avant (Gen5) in-flight entertainment system and this will provide guests significantly enhanced experience on board and match those generally available on long-haul aircraft.
The new aircraft will have business, economy plus and economy seats with leather covering, USB power outlets and audio/video on demand at every seat. “These features have been added, keeping in mind the changing needs of our guests and to provide seamless and consistent service to our many transferring guests from the B787 Dreamliner long-haul services to the A320 flights,” added Chand.
The CEO also said the new aircraft will play an important role in maintaining and improving the carrier’s operational reliability. “RB’s on-time performance is 90 per cent, one of the best in the industry, however, we believe we need to keep improving this as the vast majority of guests travelling to/from/via Brunei use RB services,” he added.
Attended by hundreds of guests, the delivery ceremony in Toulouse saw Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to France Datin Paduka Malai Hajah Halimah binti Malai Haji Yussof, Karam Chand and Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Eric Schulz exchanging mementos to commemorate the occasion.
Acting Director of Brunei’s Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof was also present. Following the ceremony, RB’s new Airbus A320neo made its maiden flight to Brunei, carrying back home dozens of officials from DCA and RB as well as media personnel who were in Toulouse to attend the delivery event.
Upon landing at the Brunei International Airport yesterday evening, the new aircraft was greeted with a water salute.
Doa kesyukuran was read to bless the new aircraft.