Main rival of the Embraer 190/95 E2 in the segment of single-aisle regional jets, the Airbus A220 is conducting a demonstrative tour in search of new customers in Latin America, a continent that still does not have any aircraft operator.
In recent weeks, Airbus used an A220-300 in Swiss colors with the prefix HB-JCU to be one of the attractions at FIDAE 2022 in Chile. The aircraft was delivered in March 2021 and was in regular operation before serving as a showcase for the European manufacturer.
During the event, our correspondent Gisele Orquídea visited the aircraft and brought some first-hand details of the plane that is looking for its launch customer in South America.
Interestingly, the LATAM Group received an exclusive presentation of the plane, given that, in the coming years, some Airbus A319s will be retired, requiring a suitable replacement. In the case of the A220, the plane can hold up to 150 seats in a single class depending on the configuration, against the current 144 seats on the A319.
Check out the photos of the Swiss A220 present at FIDAE 2022:
A220 will visit Brazil
However, after a brief visit to Chile and Argentina, it will be Brazil's turn to receive a visit from the aircraft. The schedule includes visits to the airports of Guarulhos and Congonhas between April 11th and 13th, find out about the schedule:
According to ANAC's Operations Registration System (SIROS), tomorrow (11), the A220 is scheduled to take off from Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) at 17:30 pm, with scheduled arrival in Guarulhos at 20:25 pm** .
The following morning (12th), the aircraft will make a brief presentation transfer departing from Guarulhos at 08:10** with the scheduled arrival in Congonhas at 09:00**. On the same day, the A220 makes the opposite route (Congonhas – Guarulhos) with a scheduled takeoff at 16:00 pm**, with a landing in Cumbica at 16:50 pm.
On Wednesday (13th), the A220 leaves Brazil, taking off from Guarulhos at 09:00 am towards Miami.
To track the aircraft via Flightradar24, simply click here.
Airbus A220
The A220 is the only aircraft built for the 100–150 seat market and combines state-of-the-art aerodynamics, composite materials and advanced Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines.
The A220 model features a 50% reduced noise footprint and up to 25% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, as well as around 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards.
Currently, the A220 is Airbus' main bet for regional operations, with the possibility of using the jet for long-haul routes.
