'America's Greenest Aircraft' Unveiled At Tampa International Airport

TAMPA, FL — Frontier Airlines celebrated the arrival of “America’s greenest aircraft” Tuesday, unveiling its new Airbus A321neo at Tampa International Airport.

The plane is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s ultra-efficient GTF engines and features a new livery and unique tail animal — an American bald eagle that Frontier has named Frederick, after Pratt & Whitney founder Frederick Rentschler.

The airline officially introduced the A321neo at the Airborne Maintenance Facility, where executives from Frontier, Airbus, Pratt & Whitney and TPA were in attendance.

“Frontier has been a strong partner with us for the last two decades,” Airport CEO Joe Lopano said. "Their focus on growth, featuring the latest in technology the way this airplane does, fits in perfectly with our mission here at TPA."

The plane’s new engines are expected to deliver nearly 120 miles per gallon per seat, exceeding airline industry averages and furthering Frontier’s efforts to reduce fuel consumption and lessen the company’s environmental footprint. The airline called the plane the most fuel-efficient commercial aircraft used among U.S. carriers.

The aircraft was built in Hamburg, Germany, and was receiving final checks and certifications at the airborne facility; it will depart from the airport later this week.

This press release was produced by the Tampa International Airport. The views expressed here are the author’s own.