Airbus unveils the design of the A321XLR narrow-body aircraft.

Scheduled for launch in 2023, the A321XLR boasts an "unprecedented" range of up to 4,700 nautical miles or 8,704 km. According to Airbus, the capability of a lower-cost, single-aisle aircraft will allow operators to open new long-haul services, particularly on less common routes such as from India to Europe or from China to Australia.

This new aircraft boasts a 15% longer range than its predecessor, the A321LR, paving the way for direct transatlantic flights between Europe and the Americas.

The A321XLR is equipped with new features that the manufacturer hopes will improve its "environmental performance." Airbus claims that it will reduce fuel consumption by 20% per seat and emit 5,000 tonnes less CO2.₂every year. The company also says that the noise level of the new aircraft will be 50% lower. Other improvements include a fixed central fuel tank at the rear to hold more fuel, and additional landing gear to accommodate takeoff weights of up to 101 tons.

This state-of-the-art 44.51-meter-long aircraft can accommodate 180-220 passengers, provided the operators divide the plane into two traditional cabin classes.

According to Airbus, since its launch in 2010, the A320neo has been the world's best-selling single-aisle aircraft series, with over 6,500 orders from more than 100 customers.

Hai Anh