Air Arabia (G9, Sharjah) has confirmed a 2016 deal with Air Lease Corporation for six A321neo is based entirely on the LR (Long Range) variant. The type will enable the Sharjah-based LCC to boost capacity on existing high-demand routes while opening up new destinations within an 8-hour radius.

"In 8 hours, you can reach China, Thailand, South Africa, Central Africa, Morocco, Eastern Europe and Russia," Adel Al Ali, Group CEO, Air Arabia, told the Khaleej Times.

Deliveries are expected to run between January and October 2019. Ali has previously hinted that its Moroccan unit may be a recipient of the A321neo(LR)s once they begin arriving.

Air Arabia currently operates an all-Airbus fleet of thirty-seven A320-200s with its Air Arabia Egypt unit operating one, Air Arabia Jordan operating two, and Air Arabia Maroc seven. The LCC group will take delivery of three more A320ceo in 2018 and six in 2019. Thereafter, it will be looking at adding more aircraft, the CEO said.