Scheduled to launch in 2023, the A321XLR will have an “unprecedented” range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, or 8,704 km. Airbus says the ability of a single-aisle aircraft to operate at a lower cost will allow operators to open new long-haul services, particularly on unpopular routes such as India to Europe or China to Australia.
The new aircraft has a 15% longer range than its predecessor, the A321LR, paving the way for non-stop transatlantic flights between the European and American continents.
According to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, the A321XLR will be the single-aisle aircraft with the longest range in the world.
The A321XLR is equipped with new features that the manufacturer hopes will improve its “environmental performance”. Airbus claims it will reduce fuel consumption by 20% per seat flown and emit 5,000 tonnes less CO2.2per year. The airline also says the new aircraft will be 50% quieter. Other improvements include a fixed center rear fuel tank to hold more fuel, and additional landing gear to accommodate a takeoff weight of up to 101 tons.
The 44.51m-long state-of-the-art aircraft can accommodate 180-220 passengers, in case operators divide the aircraft into two traditional cabin classes.
The A321XLR has many improved features compared to the previous generation A321LR.
Also according to Airbus, since its launch in 2010, the A320neo has been the world's best-selling single-aisle aircraft series with more than 6,500 orders from more than 100 customers.
