UTair, one of Russia’s leading carriers, took delivery of its first Airbus aircraft. The brand-new A321 was handed over at a ceremony held at Airbus in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft is part of a firm order for 20 A321s signed by UTair in July 2012, which is today the largest single order for this type in Russia.

?UTair’s A321, powered by CFM56 engines, features a single-class cabin layout seating 220 passengers. The airline is planning to operate its A321s to further develop its high density route network.

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“This delivery demonstrates our intention to keep up high growth rates and strengthen our position amongst leading Russian airlines. The A321 is part of our fleet modernisation programme and is fully in line with the company’s strategy on improving service, ensuring high level of reliability and network development,” said Andrey Martirosov, UTair CEO.

?”We are happy to welcome UTair as a new Airbus operator and confident that today’s event will pave the way for a strong long-term partnership. UTair will undoubtedly benefit from the A321’s unbeatable economics, while passengers will appreciate the widest cabin of any single aisle aircraft family,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

There are currently about 260 Airbus aircraft in operation at 11 Russian carriers. UTair, one of the most dynamic Russian carriers, was founded in 1967. The airline operates a fleet of some 180 aircraft to over 60 domestic and 40 international destinations.

Airbus press release