KATHMANDU: The newest addition to the Airbus family of commercial aircraft, the A220, has made its first visit to Nepal as part of a world demonstration tour.

The A220-300 in an airBaltic livery went on display at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, on November 11 and 12.

The aircraft, which can accommodate 145 passengers, is on a demo tour of four countries including China, Nepal, Turkey and Thailand.

"It offers exceptional performance, comfort and profitability and is well-suited for high altitude airports such as Kathmandu," tour organisers said. "As the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market, the A220 delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency and true wide-body comfort in a single aisle aircraft."

The aircraft brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines to offer at least a 20 per cent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft.

With a range of up to 3,200 nautical miles (5,020 km), the A220 offers the performance of larger single aisle aircraft.