Lisbon-based TAP Air Portugal (www.flytap.com) has taken delivery of the first of 12 A321LRs it has on order, becoming the first airline to operate a combined fleet of Airbus A330neo and A321LR fleet.

The A321LR is ‘the world’s most flexible and capable large single-aisle aircraft’ and is powered by CFM engines; TAP’s A321LR is configured with 171 seats.

TAP CEO Antonoaldo Neves said: “The A321LR is critical for TAP’s expansion plans. With its superior range, we can comfortably explore markets in North America, South America and Africa from Portugal, and it will fit in seamlessly with our A330neos.

"In North America it allows us to explore markets on the East Coast, such as New York, Boston, Montreal or Washington. In Brazil, it can open up new markets in the north-east and complement existing services to cities like Recife, Natal, Fortaleza and Salvador.”

TAP’s A321LR will initially be operated on the Lisbon-Tel Aviv route.

The A321LR is a member of the A320neo Family, with over 6,500 orders placed by more than 100 customers. It delivers 30% fuel savings and a near-50% reduction in noise compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft.

Christian Scherer, Airbus’s chief commercial officer, said: “We applaud TAP Air Portugal for becoming the first airline to leverage the benefits of the A321LR and the A330neo in a common fleet.

“These aircraft working in tandem have the middle market segment nicely covered.”