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Frontier Airlines Unveils New Ultra Fuel Efficient Airbus A321neo

#FrontierAirlines officially unveiled its first ultra-fuel-efficient #Airbus #A321neo aircraft at an event at Tampa International Airport.

Today, Frontier Airlines (Nasdaq: ULCC) officially unveiled its first ultra-fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo aircraft at an event at Tampa International Airport (TPA). The 240-seat A321neo, powered by Pratt & Whitney’s groundbreaking GTF engines, will be the most fuel-efficient commercial aircraft among any U.S. airline. Frontier’s A321neo will generate significantly lower carbon emissions and engine noise, furthering the efforts of America’s Greenest Airline to reduce its environmental footprint.

Frontier currently has 226 aircraft in total on order

The aircraft is the first of 158 A321neos to be delivered to the ultra-low-cost carrier by leading airplane manufacturer Airbus between now and 2029. Frontier currently has 226 aircraft in total on order which will nearly triple its fleet size by the end of the decade.

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“The addition of these new A321neo’s to our fleet will make the greenest airline in the U.S. even greener with these aircraft able to achieve 120 miles per gallon per seat,” said Barry Biffle, president, and CEO, of Frontier Airlines. “They are the most fuel-efficient aircraft in operation among major U.S. airlines and are capable of delivering immediate, tangible reductions in fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and engine noise.

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Frontier continues to lead the way in reducing fuel consumption and lessening our environmental footprint and the addition of the A321neo to our fleet is another step in that journey,” Biffle added.

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The debut event in Tampa also included the unveiling of a highly striking special-edition aircraft livery, along with the animal featured on the aircraft’s tail – Frederick the Bald Eagle, inspired by Pratt & Whitney and named for its founder Frederick B. Rentschler. Rentschler was a trailblazer in aviation, designing engines that were dramatically lighter and more fuel efficient than their predecessors. All Frontier aircraft feature an animal on their tail, many of them endangered and threatened species.

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“Frederick Rentschler transformed aviation with the most efficient, dependable engines of their time. Our employees, who voted to name this plane in his honor, carry on his vision with new technologies like the revolutionary geared fan at the heart of our GTF engines,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney.

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Lowest greenhouse gas emissions for the Airbus A320neo family.

“With up to 20 percent in savings, GTF engines are the most fuel-efficient with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions for the Airbus A320neo family. These GTF-powered aircraft fly more passengers, farther, more sustainably, and with lower operating costs — helping Frontier add new routes and keep fares low.”

“Frontier has the largest A321neo backlog in North America — a concrete example of their core focus on efficiency and the environment,” said Jeff Knittel, chairman, and CEO of Airbus Americas. “With its lower fuel burn, emissions, and noise footprint, the A321neo will fly Frontier deep into the ‘green’ future, pleasing passengers while concentrating on sustainability, priorities we at Airbus admire and share.”

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The unveiling event took place at the Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services facility at TPA. Frontier operates a crew base at TPA and is the airport’s third-largest carrier based on destinations served. The event included a large contingent of team members from Frontier, Airbus, Pratt & Whitney, and TPA who gathered to celebrate the special milestone.

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Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft
Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

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Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

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Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

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Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.

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