The aircraft touched down at Gatwick airport on Tuesday morning (8 October) after completing its first transatlantic journey from Toronto Pearson airport.

The Canadian carrier plans to put the neo into regular operation on its daily Gatwick-Toronto service from November. It will also debut the aircraft at Glasgow airport on 31 October.

Compared to its predecessor, the A321neoLR (long range) consumes 15% less fuel, generates 50% less noise, produces 5,000 few tonnes of CO2 a year, and emits 50% less nitrogen oxide.

Air Transat took delivery of its first neo in May 2019. Its fleet will grow to include 15 by 2022.

Economy seats come with wider leather seats, 10-inch screens and USB power, while the neo’s 12-seat club cabin features personal service, additional leg room and leg rest and wider 13-inch screens.

Adrian Keating, Air Transat commercial director UK and Ireland, said: “We’re delighted that our valued customers in the UK and Ireland are now able to experience our state-of-the-art A321neoLR aircraft on our routes from Gatwick and, in the near future, from Glasgow too.”