Airbus revises A321XLR plans: long-haul revolution can wait

Less revolutionary than expected. This is the result of the revisions that Airbus will have to work for his A321XLR, the aircraft extra-long-range of the A320 family that has been racking up orders-fishing in both the low-cost and legacy sectors-and promises to upend the idea of long-haul with single-aisle aircraft.

It is theEasa, the European aviation safety agency, which will force Airbus to make modifications to the plane that will go at least 200 nautical miles (just under 400 kilometers, ed.) in the total flight range promised by the aircraft.

The unique features of the A321XLR

The A321XLR - where XLR stands for Extra Long Range - was supposed to officially take off as early as the end of this year; but due to various factors (pandemic, supply chain crisis, delayed certifications, etc...) the first deliveries of the new model have slipped to early 2025.

The aircraft is part of the Airbus A320 family and is unique because it combines a range of about 8,400 km , or 4,700 nautical miles (thanks to an additional fuel tank located in the center-rear of the aircraft) with a single-corridor short- to medium-range aircraft size.

In addition to Lower the fuel consumption of the 30% per single seat, the aircraft will allow airlines to alternate between medium haul and long haul routes even on the same operating day.

The A321XLR allows you to fly, for example, Rome to New York, London to Miami, Dubai to Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo to Sydney or Buenos Aires to Miami with a capacity ranging from 180 to 244 seats using the two classes of service.

The revision plans

Unfortunately, however, the plane will not be able to achieve the range promised to airlines with the planned "cut" of about 370 kilometers, a drop in the 4.3% approx. (at equivalent seat capacity) as a result of changes required by Easa to obtain aircraft certification.

Changes that will generate a Overweight ranging from 700 to 800 kilograms, compared with the 200-300 kg initially estimated by Airbus.

In particular, Easa requested modifications and reinforcements in the central area of the aircraft, just where there is' the new additional tank that would allow more fuel load. The agency's requests are motivated by the need to prevent  risks in the event of an accident or evacuation.

What is the impact of this shorter range for airlines and the aircraft manufacturer? "Airbus does not expect a significant impact," a spokesman for the manufacturer told Reuters.

However, according to the news agency, the European manufacturer has proposed to some of its customers--who will be penalized by this change--the possibility of changing orders toward the A330neo, which is a widebody.

According to the following Airbus graphic, the new range Does not impact the reported route examples; but some carriers have more ambitious plans with plans to operate very long haul routes.

 

A321XLR remains revolutionary

Despite the decrease in range, the A321XLR still remains a real "war machine" for Airbus. The cost-benefit ratio remains very high; so does the advantage of being able to operate long-haul routes and extensions with a narrowbody and higher frequencies even daily. Both legacy carriers who rely on large hubs and those who fly point-to-point will benefit.

In addition, the A321XLR will have a more space in the hatboxes and lighter, stronger side walls and ceilings have been developed, as well as a new soundproofing system that allows noise reduction especially on long journeys.

One key feature, for example, concerns the front of the passenger cabin, which benefits from the so-called full-flex zone.

The latter, first introduced on the A321neo allows Airbus Cabin Flex to be implemented in the area between door 1 or door 2. Essentially, airlines will be able to install the kitchen and toilet areas or other intermediate spaces in the middle of the front of the passenger cabin.

A classic system for twin-aisle aircraft, which is usually used to divide service classes, but which totally changes the schematic and the internal visibility of a single-aisle aircraft. Then, in this case, airlines will be able to equip the A321Xlr with three classes of service.

Who ordered the A321XLR

The latest airline to choose Airbus' extra-long-range was Icelandair, Iceland's main carrier based in Keflavik, which placed a firm order for 13 A321XLRs.

The order effectively celebrated Icelandair as a new Airbus customer, as the carrier has a fleet consisting only of Boeing aircraft (in addition to six aircraft De Havilland).

In addition, U.S. airlines placed the largest orders. American and United requested 50 aircraft each, and Air Canada added another 6 aircraft; while Australia's Qantas has ordered 36 aircraft.

But the low-cost sector has also placed a number of very large orders. Indigo Partners will split its order from 50 aircraft at its airlines: twenty A321XLR will be awarded to Wizz Air, 18 to the U.S. Frontier and 12 to the Chilean JetSmart.

JetBlue, which already operates flights between London and New York with the A321Lr has placed a 13-aircraft order; while Indian low-cost airline Indigo has signed a 36-aircraft order.

• Airbus