Air Transat to become first North American Airbus A321LR operator

Ten Airbus A321LR aircraft will be joining the fleet of Canadian airline Air Transat, making it the first North American operator of the longest-range single-aisle aircraft in the world. Air Transat will lease the aircraft through a deal with AerCap, and plans entry into service starting in 2019. The A321LR extends the aircraft’s range to up to 4,000 nautical miles and brings with it a 30-percent reduction in operating cost compared to its nearest competitor, according to Airbus. “This is an ideal aircraft for the North American market, and particularly for a carrier like Air Transat,” said John Leahy, Airbus