Wizz Air's first Airbus A321XLR arrives in Milan: but how will it be used without Abu Dhabi?

After the announcement of the withdrawal of operations from Abu Dhabi., one wonders how Wizz Air intends to fully exploit the potential of the new Airbus A321XLR, the single-aisle aircraft with the longest range on the market today, capable of flying more than 8 hours, or up to 8,700 km.

Translated concretely: it can fly nonstop, connecting Europe to sub-Saharan Africa, the deep Middle East and parts of Central Asia.

The first specimen was delivered to Milan Malpensa airport today, with Maltese registration, opening a new chapter for the low-cost airline. While the first ever, which came to the company, operates mainly on the London-Jeddah route.

With a long-haul network yet to be defined, the new XLR-which enables transcontinental flights with reduced 30% fuel consumption compared to previous generation models-represents a strategic challenge for the company, which is now called upon to design routes capable of enhancing the aircraft's technology in the absence of an operational base in the Gulf.

The outfitting has nothing different from a regular A321 already in service for Wizz Air, no power outlets, no IFE, no wi-fi, much less no business class, just 239 seats that don't recline.

The aircraft is the first A321XLR registered in continental Europe and the first to operate under Wizz Air Malta. Mauro Peneda, Managing Director of Wizz Air Malta, said:

"The addition of the A321XLR to our fleet is a proud moment for Wizz Air Malta. It demonstrates our commitment to operating one of the youngest, most modern and sustainable fleets in the world. With the XLR, we continue to expand the boundaries of ultra low-cost travel for our customers while reducing our environmental impact through the use of the latest technologies available on the market."

Charles Pace, Malta's Director of Civil Aviation, also welcomed the plane's arrival:

"The Civil Aviation Directorate is delighted to see Wizz Air Malta take delivery of this new, modern aircraft, which will have a reduced carbon footprint and increased range. This is truly a milestone for Wizz Air Malta and the Malta Registry. So far, 114 of the company's aircraft have been registered and 103 are currently in service. We would like to thank the dedicated staff for their hard work and continued commitment, as well as the management of Wizz Air Malta, with whom we have established a strong and effective line of communication and mutual understanding."

The company plans to receive Six XLRs by the end of 2025, part of an overall order of 300 new aircraft. But questions remain about where these planes will fly now that Wizz has decided to exit its most natural platform for long-haul expansion: the Middle East.