Aer Lingus Takes Delivery of Its First A321XLR

DALLAS — Aer Lingus (EI) has taken delivery of its first of six A321XLR aircraft. With the delivery, the Irish flag carrier becomes the second in the world to operate the A321XLR as well as the second in the International Airlines Group (IAG) after Iberia (IB), which plans to retire its Airbus A319 and A321ceo fleets thanks to the new acquisition.

The EI A321XLR took off from the Airbus production site in Hamburg, Germany, yesterday, December 18, to EI’s home base at Dublin airport (DUB), Ireland.

The EI CFM LEAP-1A-powered A321XLR is configured with 184 seats in a two-class layout featuring 16 full-flat Business Class and 168 Economy Class seats. The jet als includes 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 offers EI more range and payload, enabling the airline to operate new routes "beyond the US East Coast and Canada, with destinations including Nashville and Indianapolis."

Airbus boasts the the A321XLR's range can go up to 4,700nm, "15% more range than the A321LR and 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft," as well as offer reduced NOx emissions and noise.

Additionally, the A321XLR can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims to make its aircraft 100% SAF capable by 2030. According to Airbus, the type has secured over 500 orders.

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