Vanilla Air, Japan’s newest low-cost carrier has taken delivery of its first A320 in Toulouse, France, on lease from AWAS. The airline will start commercial services on December 20th from Narita International Airport to Okinawa and Taipei, gradually expanding services to Sapporo and Seoul (Incheon) and international holiday resort destinations

Vanilla Air’s A320 is configured with 180 seats in a high comfort all economy layout. The aircraft is equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices and powered by CFM56 engines.

“We are delighted to take delivery of our brand new Airbus A320,” Vanilla Air President Tomonori Ishii said. “Our aim is to be customer focussed and to offer seamless and convenient services beyond expectations. Thanks to its cost efficiency and high reliability, the A320, is the ideal aircraft to fulfil our demands.”

“We congratulate Vanilla Air on becoming our newest Airbus operator,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “The A320 has the lowest operating and maintenance costs of any single aisle aircraft and also offers passengers the roomiest and most comfortable cabin experience. Thanks to the Sharklets, Vanilla Air will also benefit from an additional four per cent in fuel burn savings

Vanilla Air, formerly known as Air Asia Japan, is wholly owned by ANA Holdings Inc.

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling and most modern single aisle aircraft Family. To today, more than 9,900 aircraft have been ordered and over 5,700 delivered to some 390 customers and operators worldwide. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft.