The aircraft was handed over to the airline’s chief executive Carolyn McCall in a special ceremony at the Airbus headquarters in Toulose last week.
She said the 186-seat aircraft would provide a number of benefits beyond having engines that are 15% more efficient in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
McCall said the aircraft would also be 50% quieter than previous models which was core to the airline’s ongoing strategy of using airports close to the cities they serve.
She added: “We are flying a primary (airport) network strategy and as a result of that many of those airports are here today.
“They will be interested in the positive environmental impact that this aircraft will have.
“National governments also want and rightly expect airlines to reduce their carbon footprint.
“That 15% reduction in fuel is at any fuel price. When we were talking about the engine for the neo fuel was at a higher price than it is today but fuel is still our largest cost.”
McCall said the delivery of the first A320neo came shortly after last month’s (May) decision to upsize an order for 30 A320neos to A321neos which boast greater capacity with 235 seats.
She added: “The importance of the A321 is it helps us grow in slot constrained airports.
“The biggest strength in our network is we are in slot constrained airports but that stops us from growing so the A321 is really important.”
Meanwhile, customers using Luton airport for any easyJet departure will be able to travel in style by using a luxury private jet terminal.
The terminal is run by Signature Flight Support where they can park their cars, use the lounge and pass through separate, quicker customs, immigration and security checks.
They will also be driven to the departing aircraft in private cars where they will be allowed to board the aircraft before regular passengers.
However, the services comes at a cost with the first person paying £475 for it, although any remaining passengers in the group will pay £120 per head.
