Pegasus Airlines, Turkey's leading low-cost airline, recently took delivery of its first Airbus A320neo powered by CFM International's LEAP-1A engines, becoming the first airline to do so for the type.

Pegasus placed the largest single order by a Turkish carrier for up to 100 A320neo family aircraft in 2012, making it a new Airbus customer.

Pegasus Airlines along with Airbus and CFM top management and employees celebrated the delivery in a private ceremony at Airbus' site in Hamburg.

"This delivery marks the start of Pegasus' fleet renewal with the most fuel efficient aircraft incorporating the latest technologies, aerodynamics, engines and a comfortable cabin," said Mehmet Nane, CEO of Pegasus Airlines. "We have an ambitious expansion strategy and the A320neo will be the backbone of this."

"We are delighted to be delivering our first CFM powered A320neo to Pegasus Airlines," said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus president and CEO. "It fills us with pride that Pegasus Airlines has selected the A320neo Family to achieve its impressive growth plans. We are sure the aircraft will deliver on their expectations."

"Today, Pegasus, Airbus and CFM are making history. Introducing a new engine family in commercial service happens almost once in a lifetime. It's a big deal, so we are very proud to do it with our long-term customer, Pegasus, and with Airbus," said CFM International CEO Jean-Paul Ebanga.

The A320neo Family is the world's best-selling and most fuel efficient single aisle aircraft family. The A320neo powering with the CFM International's LEAP-1A provides operators with double digits improvements in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions - with a 15 percent reduction upon entry into service and up to a 20 per cent reduction by 2020, said a statement. - TradeArabia News Service