Aer Lingus has taken delivery of their first of six new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, and will become the second carrier and second IAG airline to operate the type. Powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, the new jet departed Airbus’ production site in Hamburg yesterday.
On Thursday (December ), Airbus announced that Aer Lingus has taken delivery of their first of six new Airbus A32XLRs. Powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, the new aircraft departed Airbus’ production facility in Hamburg, Germany on Wednesday (December 18th) for Aer Lingus’ home base in Dublin, Ireland. Aer Lingus has configured the A321XLR in a 184-seat two class layout , featuring 16 fully lie-flat Business Class and 168 Economy Class seats.
This is the first aircraft in the Irish carrier’s fleet to offer customers the enhanced comfort of Airbus’ Airspace Cabin with XL overhead bins with 60 percent more storage space compared to previous generation aircraft, as well as the latest lighting system. Additionally, in-seat connectivity is available to all passengers. With the new Xtra-Long-Range aircraft, Aer Lingus will be able to open new routes beyond the U.S. East Coast and Canada, such as Nashville and Indianapolis.
The next evolutionary step in the A320neo Family, the A321XLR responds to market demand for more range and payload. The aircraft delivers an unprecedented range of 4,700 nautical miles, approximately 15 percent more than the A321LR. Additionally, the aircraft delivers a 30 percent reduction in fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation competitor aircraft, as well as lower NOx emissions and a smaller noise footprint. To date, Airbus has secured over 500 orders for the type. Like all Airbus aircraft, the A321XLR can currently operate on 50 percent SAF, and Airbus plans on having all of their aircraft 100 percent SAF capable by 2030.
Source: Airbus