Irish IAG group member Aer Lingus earlier this month officially took delivery of the first Airbus A320neo originally destined for a Russian airline. The medium-haul jet bears the registration EI-NSB.

Due to the sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation by the European Union and the United States of America, among others, due to the invasion of Ukraine, Smartavia is unable to take over the Airbus A320neo aircraft ordered through the lessor.

The International Airlines Group was able to secure at least four examples, which were originally intended for Smartavia, for its subsidiary Aer Lingus. The first unit is owned by lessor CDB Aviation and was recently repainted in Ostrava in Aer Lingus livery. In the meantime, the machine was transferred to Shannon, Ireland.

The date for the EI-NSB's first commercial flight has not yet been set. Extensive maintenance and preparatory work is currently being carried out in the group's own technical department. The remaining "ex-Smartavia" aircraft are to be handed over to Aer Lingus within the next few months. In addition, two more machines of this type have been secured.

A few weeks ago, Aviation.Direct took a closer look at Aer Lingus' short-haul product. The corresponding report can be found here with this link.