Aer Lingus receives first pair of A321XLRs
Ireland’s national carrier Aer Lingus has taken delivery of its first two A321XLR (A321-200NY) aircraft (of six on order). The aircraft were registered as EI-XLR (11348) and EI-XLT (11590). Both aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, were delivered to the airline at Dublin airport on 18 December 2024 arriving from Hamburg-Finkenwerder.
Aer Lingus thereby became the second airline in the world to operate the A321XLR as well as the second in the International Airlines Group (IAG). IAG-counterpart, Iberia, received the world’s first A321XLR in October and began long-haul revenue flights between Madrid and Boston using the new aircraft in November.
The aircraft will enable Aer Lingus to operate new routes beyond the US East Coast and Canada, with destinations including Nashville and Indianapolis, with these two new four-times-per-week routes due to launch in the 2025 summer season, Nashville in April, and Indianapolis in May.
The Aer Lingus A321XLR is configured with 184 seats in a two-class layout featuring 16 full-flat Business Class and 168 Economy Class seats. It is the first aircraft in the Aer Lingus fleet to offer passengers and cabin crew the enhanced comfort of Airbus’ Airspace Cabin, featuring XL overhead bins with 60% more storage space compared to previous generation aircraft. In addition, in-seat connectivity is available to all passengers while the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.
The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step of the A320neo Family, responding to market needs for more range and payload, creating even more value for the airlines. It will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm, some 15% more range than the A321LR and 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise. So far, Airbus has secured more than 500 orders for the type.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321XLR aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.
The Aer Lingus fleet consists of three A330-200s, ten A330-300s 27 A320s, six A320neos, eight A321-200NXs, as well as its new two A321-200NYs, as the A321XLRs are also known.
