EasyJet has started deploying new-generation Airbus A321neo aircraft from Gatwick.
The first of six aircraft entered service from the airport today, claiming to be up to 50% quieter than existing types based at Gatwick.
They will also deliver up to 15% savings in fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared to previous generations of Airbus.
Each A321neo provides an additional 50 seats to further increase passenger growth at the airport, without needing to increase the overall number of aircraft movements on the runway.
This is projected to bring an additional 85,000 passengers a year to Gatwick compared to the A320neo.
The latest aircraft are expected to become an important part of easyJet’s 65-strong Gatwick fleet over the next five years.
The A321neo aircraft are in addition to easyJet’s order of 100 A320neos, which have 186 seats and are also 50% quieter than previous generation aircraft.
EasyJet has already received nine A320neos, which are regularly operating from Gatwick.
Gatwick has spent nearly £10 million to re-configure its Pier 4 apron and stands to handle the new aircraft.
The airport will start work on a major extension to its Pier 6 facility this year, including eight new aircraft stands to for the larger A321neos at a cost of £180 million.
Norwegian has also started flying new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on some services from Gatwick, which uses the latest quiet-engine technology to reduce noise by 40%.
Gatwick is supporting Boeing to build a new hangar at the airport, due to be fully operational early next year.
Gatwick head of airspace, Andy Sinclair, said: “We are fully committed to reducing noise for our local communities as much as possible and will continue to work closely with our airline partners and invest in infrastructure to increase the number of quieter aircraft that can operate from Gatwick.
“EasyJet is Gatwick’s biggest airline, accounting for 40% of aircraft movements here, so this new fleet strategy is a positive step for those affected by noise around the airport.”
The budget airline’s UK country director Sophie Dekkers said: “We are delighted that our first A321neo aircraft is entering service at Gatwick airport to fly on routes including Alicante, Malaga, Faro, Palma, and Paphos amongst others.
“This larger aircraft will enable us deliver our strategy of securing and growing our number one positions at Europe’s leading and slot-constrained airports.
“Crucially, it will also bring significant environmental and operational benefits which means we will be able to offer more seats and low fares to even more people travelling from Gatwick on Europe’s most popular leisure and business routes, whilst both lowering emissions and noise to reduce our impact on the communities around the airports we serve.”