General Atomics

Aer Lingus receives its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft

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.

Related

UKEF and GE Aerospace introduce finance solution for regional UK shop visits
GE Aerospace CFM LEAP engine in an MRO shop
UKEF and GE Aerospace introduce finance solution for regional UK shop visits
In partnership with GE Aerospace, UK Export Finance (UKEF) is providing up to $1 billion (£742m) in financing over the next five years in a first-of-its-kind programme that will underpin a banking solution for engine overhauls and support airlines' UK flight operations.
Aerospace Member News

17 Jul 2026

Rolls-Royce partners with Boeing and Lufthansa to test fuel-saving and noise-reduction technologies
Boeing eco Demonstrator Explorer Lufthansa 787-9
Rolls-Royce partners with Boeing and Lufthansa to test fuel-saving and noise-reduction technologies
Rolls-Royce, Boeing and Lufthansa are launching a flight-test campaign using a 787-9 to evaluate technologies that improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise.
Lockheed Martin Ventures opens London office with $100m UK and Europe fund
Lockheed Martin Ventures
Lockheed Martin Ventures opens London office with $100m UK and Europe fund
Lockheed Martin Ventures has chosen London for its first office outside the United States, with at least $100 million earmarked for UK and European defence technology start-ups.
Storm Fighter to lead new RAF collaborative combat aircraft family
BAE Systems Tempest with loyal wingman drones
Storm Fighter to lead new RAF collaborative combat aircraft family
Why the RAF is now racing do develop not only a high-end CCA called Storm Fighter, but also a complementary family of smaller autonomous aircraft to fly alongside crewed fighters.
Defence Most Read

17 Jul 2026

RAF awards Boeing £127m E-7 sustainment contract as first aircraft nears service
RAF E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft
RAF awards Boeing £127m E-7 sustainment contract as first aircraft nears service
The £127.5 million sustainment award will support around 180 jobs in Scotland as the first RAF Wedgetail completes final testing and a second aircraft begins flying.
Defence Insights Most Read

16 Jul 2026

RAF confirms GCAP will require sovereign boom refuelling capability
6th generation fighter Tempest being developed under the global combat air programme (GCAP)
RAF confirms GCAP will require sovereign boom refuelling capability
Britain’s sixth-generation fighter will use boom rather than probe-and-drogue refuelling, forcing the RAF to address a longstanding gap in its Voyager tanker fleet.
Defence Most Read

16 Jul 2026

Serco awarded ESA contract to support FLEX Earth observation mission
Earth observation satellite
Serco awarded ESA contract to support FLEX Earth observation mission
The European Space Agency (ESA) has contracted Serco to manage and deliver FLEX satellite data products to its users.
Member News Space

17 Jul 2026

ESA selects Keysight to develop 5G NTN anomaly detection
6G network
ESA selects Keysight to develop 5G NTN anomaly detection
Keysight will serve as the prime contractor, collaborating with Sateliot to support key technical development and satellite mission integration.
Member News Space

16 Jul 2026

Lockheed Martin Ventures opens London office with $100m UK and Europe fund
Lockheed Martin Ventures
Lockheed Martin Ventures opens London office with $100m UK and Europe fund
Lockheed Martin Ventures has chosen London for its first office outside the United States, with at least $100 million earmarked for UK and European defence technology start-ups.
UK defence SMEs unite under new Spearhead delivery collective
Spearhead SME member representatives
UK defence SMEs unite under new Spearhead delivery collective
Twenty-eight UK-owned defence and security SMEs have formed Spearhead, offering government and prime contractors access to specialist capability through one contract and one accountable delivery team.
Lockheed Martin Ventures opens London office with $100m UK and Europe fund
Lockheed Martin Ventures
Lockheed Martin Ventures opens London office with $100m UK and Europe fund
Lockheed Martin Ventures has chosen London for its first office outside the United States, with at least $100 million earmarked for UK and European defence technology start-ups.
ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time
ADS at Farnborough International Airshow
ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time
ADS has passed 2,000 member organisations for the first time, following a record year of membership growth across aerospace, defence, security and space.