BACKGROUND
We flew on the inaugural route from Manchester airport to New York JFK on December 1 (see our review at businesstraveller.com/tried-and-tested). The flight was meant to be operated by the new A321 neo LR but this was delayed due to registration issues, according to the carrier.
We got to experience the new aircraft on the return leg on December 4, which was a night flight departing from JFK Terminal 5 at 1815 with a flight time of just under six hours.
The aircraft is designed for routes of up to 7,400km and is used for both transatlantic and European routes. The narrowbody aircraft is more fuel efficient and promises a 50 per cent reduction in engine noise.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
While I had submitted all my information and received approval by Verifly, I was unable to check
