Airbus Delivers First A321XLR

PARIS (Reuters) – Airbus has delivered its first A321XLR, the longest-range single-aisle jet in the industry, to Spanish airline Iberia. The plane's handover took place late Tuesday, with a flight to Madrid scheduled for Wednesday, according to Flightradar24.

The A321XLR, which took five years to develop, targets a market previously occupied by Boeing's out-of-production 757 and larger wide-body jets. Launched in 2019, it aims to fill a gap in this sector, where the A321 family outsells the largest versions of the 737 MAX.

This aircraft features a unique fuel tank molded into the fuselage, allowing for increased fuel capacity and extended range. However, its design raised fire and evacuation concerns, leading to modifications before certification.

Despite analysts noting that the added weight affects the maximum range, Airbus asserts that the A321XLR will enable airlines to open new routes—for example, between New York and Hamburg or Chicago and Milan. Airbus has reportedly sold over 500 units of this model.

Boeing argues that the XLR addresses a niche in the single-aisle jet market, which it estimates at 33,380 aircraft over the next 20 years. The A321XLR's entry reflects the industry's ambition to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Iberia has stated that this new aircraft will aid its environmental commitments, contributing to an industry goal of achieving net CO2 emissions by 2050. The A321XLR is powered by LEAP engines from CFM International, a joint venture of GE Aerospace and Safran, with Pratt & Whitney also offering options for the jet.