BREAKING COVER in Toulouse on January 25 was this Smartavia Airbus A320neo. The narrowbody jet, equipped with a pair of CFM LEAP-1As, is pictured ahead of its official entry to service with the Russian lowcost carrier. The airframe, (c/n 10712), bears the test registration F-WWDK, but it is understood it will become VP-BQA on formally joining the airline. While Smartavia already fields a trio of A320neos, which previously saw service with Mexican LCC Interjet, this example is the very first new-build to join the fleet. It forms part of an ambitious modernisation programme which has seen the removal of its Boeing 737-500s. The airline was known as Nordavia until 2019 and has its headquarters in Arkhangelsk in Russia’s far north.
(Photo Eurospot)