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On Friday, Middle East Airlines (MEA) received its tenth and last Airbus A321 Neo aircraft. It landed at Beirut International Airport at around 2:00 PM, coming directly from the Airbus factories in Hamburg, in the presence of the Caretaker Minister of Transport and Public Works, Ali Hamiye.
Despite an unprecedented economic crisis and severely strained public finances, the national airline, Middle East Airlines (MEA), received its tenth Airbus A321 neo on Friday. The plane arrived directly from the European manufacturer’s factories in Hamburg. This is the final aircraft in the series ordered by MEA in 2019 to renew its fleet, with the first one delivered in 2020.
Even though this purchase is essential for upgrading and improving the national airline’s operations, it raises several questions. How can MEA afford this aircraft, priced at $105.9 million, amidst such a severe crisis? Even with discounts, it is quite an expense for a country grappling with economic challenges. Hence, the relevant concerns about the use of public funds during such a period…
In this context, it is important to mention that MEA is predominantly owned by Lebanon’s Central Bank (BDL). In 1996, the BDL acquired almost all of MEA’s shares, covering $375 million of the $720 million in accumulated losses by the company.
Nevertheless, the acquisition of new aircraft is crucial for the competitiveness of the national airline, which is a member of Skyteam. Incorporating more fuel-efficient planes like the A321neo could contribute in the long term to reducing expenses and improving the airline’s efficiency, knowing that MEA serves 32 airports worldwide.
Fifteen Aircraft Ordered from Airbus
In June 2019, MEA signed an agreement to purchase five A321XLR aircraft (scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2025). The number of airplanes ordered by MEA from Airbus now stands at 15, including the previously ordered ten A321neo. MEA is planning to use the A321XLR, Airbus’ latest model, to bolster its network in Africa and Asia.
Furthermore, the national airline has acquired four A330-990neo aircraft, set to be delivered between 2026 and 2028.
MEA’s current fleet includes 24 planes, featuring Airbus models such as the A330-200, A320-200, and A321neo. Alongside the ten A321neo planes serving short, medium, and long-haul routes, MEA’s fleet includes four A330-200 (244 seats) and A320-200 (126 seats) aircraft operated under the banner of the national airline.
Reduce the Company’s Operational Expenses by 50%
The A321neo that was acquired on Friday is the longest aircraft in Airbus’ single-aisle A320 family, boasting a seating capacity of 160 passengers (28 in business class and 132 in economy class). Fitted with Pratt & Whitney Pure Power geared turbofan PW1100G-JM engines, these A321neo airplanes are expected to “reduce the company’s operational expenses by 50% as well as background noise.” MEA had previously received its first aircraft of this type on July 10, 2020.
