Airbus have announced the formal launch of the Airbus A321XLR. With a range of 8,500 kilometres or 4,600 nautical miles, it is the longest ranged variant in the Airbus narrowbody line up.
This means it could fly from certain points Europe to the west coast of the United States. With excellent economics, this could present even more opportunities for smaller markets to connect.
Aer Lingus A321XLR
Aer Lingus have ordered six of the new Airbus A321XLR, with Spain’s Iberia ordering eight. As part of the same group, there are economies of scale in ordering together. First deliveries are expected in 2023.
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- Iberia are also getting the Airbus A321XLR
According to the CEO of IAG, Willie Walsh, this will enable more flexibility for the Dublin and Madrid hubs. Opportunities to expand will be increased for both carriers.
IAG and the Boeing 737 MAX
An unexpected piece of news out of Paris was a letter of intent from IAG to take 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The IAG airlines operate Airbus narrowbodies on short and medium haul services, so this is a big change to switch over to Boeing.
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- The Boeing 737 MAX will go to British Airways, Vueling and LEVEL
Flight Global report there will be a mix of MAX -8 and MAX -10s for delivery from 2023-2027. Named airlines to receive them will be LEVEL, Vueling and the British Airways operation at London Gatwick.
Overall Thoughts
The Paris air show has certainly proven to be interesting so far. Not only the long rumoured launch of the Airbus A321XLR but also a bunch of orders. In addition to Iberia and Aer Lingus, the A321XLR has been ordered by Cebu Pacific, Middle East Airlines, Saudia and lessor Air Lease.
Nobody really expected to see any orders for the Boeing 737 MAX at this air show, so it is a huge vote of confidence for Boeing to land the letter of intent from IAG. The old girl ain’t dead yet!
What do you think of all of this activity? Will you be happy to travel long-haul on a narrowbody aircraft? What about IAG ordering the MAX? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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Aer Lingus and Iberia renders by FIXION via Airbus.
Boeing 737 MAX by pjs2005 via Wikimedia Commons.
[…] are lining up for the Airbus A321XLR which launched at the Paris air show. After the news that Aer Lingus and Iberia ordered the aircraft, things have continued apace with Qantas and American Airlines both signing […]
[…] are lining up for the Airbus A321XLR which launched at the Paris air show. After the news that Aer Lingus and Iberia ordered the aircraft, things have continued apace with Qantas and American Airlines both signing […]
It’s very unexpected indeed! I’m dying to know the ins and outs on this deal. Considering 300 lives have been lost due to a defect of the AC, I would have found it considerate if they would have waited until the AC is back in the air. I can’t imagine they did not feel the same way, so the deal must have been so good they were willing to ignore that (and the fact that all their shorthaul is currently Airbus!). Interesting fact, IAG’s own press release does not mention MAX (which is a pretty fundamental aspect of the marketing… Read more »
I’m pretty curious about it as well, though considering how long aircraft selections take, you’d think that the Boeing 737 had been chosen a while ago, but as it’s only a letter of intent, perhaps not. I hadn’t noticed that at all as I hadn’t seen the IAG press release. Interesting pick up there! Probably a smart move considering the publicity. I saw an article yesterday where Boeing responded to rumours they’d rename the MAX, saying they had no plans to. But perhaps it’ll be dropped due to all the negative publicity. This could be the first sign. Nice catch… Read more »