Azores Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The airline, fully owned by Sociedade Açoreana de Transportes Aéreos, becomes the first Portuguese operator to receive a member of the best-selling A320neo family. 

The aircraft, on-lease from Air Lease Corporation, was delivered during a ceremony held at the Airbus Hamburg site.

This aircraft is the first among of six A321neos to be leased by Azores Airlines from ALC.

The carrier will deploy the aircraft on transatlantic routes.

Azores Airlines currently operates a fleet of seven A310, A320 and A330 Airbus aircraft across Europe, Canada and North America.

The A321neo is the largest member of the A320neo family and can seat up to 240 passengers.

The plane integrates many innovations such as latest generation engines, Sharklet wing tip devices and cabin improvements, which together will deliver up to 20 per cent in fuel savings by 2020.