Airbus delivered the 500th A321 ever produced to Air France during a ceremony held last Friday at the manufacturer’s Hamburg, Germany delivery center. The largest member of the A320 family, the A321 seats 174 passengers in the two-class layout chosen by France’s flag carrier. The airline also served as the type’s launch customer when Airbus delivered the first A321 in 1994. In addition to the A320 and A321, the A320 family includes the A318 and A319.

“Air France was also the first major airline to operate all four members of the A320 family in 2003 and they have served us on our medium-haul network and will continue to do so,” noted Air France senior vice president for new aircraft and corporate fleet planning Pierre Vellay.

“Airbus invests around 100 million euros every year to keep the A320 the most eco-efficient single-aisle aircraft in the world,” added Airbus COO for customers John Leahy. “Reaching the milestone of 500 deliveries proves the sustainability of these investments and underlines the leading position of the A321 in its market segment in terms of operational efficiency, passenger comfort and environmental friendliness.”

Airbus has sold more than 750 A321s to some 65 customers around the world.