Aerospace

Aer Lingus receives its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft

Posted 7 January 2025

Ireland’s national carrier Aer Lingus recently received its first of six A321XLR aircraft, becoming the second in the world to operate the A321XLR as well as the second in the International Airlines Group (IAG).

Above: The first A321XLR for Aer Lingus taking off from Airbus Hamburg.
©Airbus

Powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, the aircraft took off from the Airbus production site in Hamburg, Germany, on 18 December to Aer Lingus’ home base at Dublin airport, Ireland.

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. .

The aircraft will enable Aer Lingus to operate new routes beyond the US East Coast and Canada, with destinations including Nashville and Indianapolis.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step of the A320neo Family, delivering an extra long range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, some 15% more range than the A321LR, with lower fuel burn per seat, 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.