Frontier Airlines officially unveiled its first ultra-fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo aircraft at an event at Tampa International Airport (TPA). The 240-seat A321neo, powered by Pratt & Whitney’s groundbreaking GTF engines, will be the most fuel-efficient commercial aircraft among any U.S. airline. Frontier’s A321neo’s will generate significantly lower carbon emissions and engine noise, furthering the efforts of America’s Greenest Airline to reduce its environmental footprint.

The aircraft is the first of 158 A321neo’s to be delivered to the ultra-low-cost carrier by leading airplane manufacturer Airbus between now and 2029. Frontier currently has 226 aircraft in total on order which will nearly triple its fleet size by the end of the decade.  

The debut event in Tampa also included the unveiling of a highly striking special-edition aircraft livery, along with the animal featured on the aircraft’s tail – Frederick the Bald Eagle, inspired by Pratt & Whitney and named for its founder Frederick B. Rentschler. Rentschler was a trailblazer in aviation, designing engines that were dramatically lighter and more fuel efficient than their predecessors. All Frontier aircraft feature an animal on their tail, many of them endangered and threatened species.

The unveiling event took place at the Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services facility at TPA. Frontier operates a crew base at TPA and is the airport’s third largest carrier based on destinations served. The event included a large contingent of team members from Frontier, Airbus, Pratt & Whitney and TPA who gathered to celebrate the special milestone.