In Photos: Wizz Air UK's First Airbus A321XLR

DALLAS — Wizz Air UK's (W9) first Airbus A321XLR (registration G-XLRA) was observed undergoing rejected takeoff tests at the Airbus Hamburg facility.

This aircraft represents multiple firsts in the industry - it's the first Pratt & Whitney-powered A321XLR to be delivered to any customer globally. It will soon inaugurate W9's ambitious long-haul expansion strategy.

Wizz Air UK has announced London Gatwick (LGW) to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as the inaugural route for its first A321XLR. This seven-hour service will commence in late March 2025 and operate as a daily overnight flight between the two destinations. 

The route perfectly applies the A321XLR's capabilities, connecting city pairs that previously required larger, less economical widebody aircraft.

Aircraft Specifications, Testing Progress

The Airbus A321XLR (eXtra Long Range) for W9, bearing manufacturer serial number (MSN) 11631 and wearing a huge XLR-sticker on fuselage, was spotted at the Airbus Hamburg Finkenwerder facility today with its temporary test registration D-AZXU and permanent UK registration G-XLRA. 

The aircraft is currently undergoing critical rejected takeoff (RTO) tests, a standard but demanding procedure where the aircraft must demonstrate its ability to safely abort a takeoff at maximum speed (V1), with fully worn-out brakes and maximum takeoff weight, without using thrust reversers.

This specific aircraft is noteworthy as it represents the first A321XLR powered by Pratt & Whitney's PW1100G engines to be delivered to any customer worldwide. These engines received their certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on December 12, 2024, marking a key step in enabling the aircraft's global deployment.

Tech Specs

The A321XLR offers impressive performance metrics that make it ideal for W9's expansion plans:

• Range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, 15% more than the A321LR model
• Flight duration capability of up to 11 hours
• 30% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft
• 50% reduced noise footprint
• Maximum seating capacity of 244 passengers, though W9 will configure it with 239 seats

Wizz Air's Fleet Expansion Strategy

Delivery of this aircraft was initially anticipated in February 2025. G-XLRA represents the beginning of Wizz Air's (W6) substantial investment in the A321XLR platform. The airline has ordered 47 A321XLR aircraft for its ambitious fleet expansion strategy. This significant commitment highlights the carrier's confidence in the aircraft's capabilities to revolutionize its route network.

József Váradi, Wizz Air's Chief Executive Officer, has previously emphasized the strategic importance of this aircraft acquisition: "We are excited to offer unbeatable fares to our customers on the new route from London Gatwick to Jeddah. Since establishing our base at London Gatwick in 2020, we have demonstrated ambitious growth, making it a natural, strategic decision to operate our first Airbus A321XLR from this airport."

The airline plans to distribute these aircraft across its network, with approximately three to five XLRs stationed at each operational base. This approach will enable W6 to systematically extend its reach into new markets previously unreachable with conventional single-aisle aircraft.

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