Aer Lingus has officially taken delivery of its first two Airbus A321XLR aircraft at Dublin Airport, marking a major step in the airline’s expansion. Registered EI-XLR msn 11348 (‘St Lelia / Liadhain’) and EI-XLT msn 11590 (‘St Melanie / Mella’), these aircraft are the first of six new A321XLRs set to enhance the airline’s North American network. The new A321XLR’s will serve existing North American routes and to launch new routes to Indianapolis and Nashville in 2025.
Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton, said: “The arrival of our two new Airbus A321XLRs mark a significant milestone for Aer Lingus. The long-range capabilities of the XLR enable us to travel deeper into North America, offering previously unserved markets greater connectivity to Europe through our Dublin hub. Both new XLR aircraft will operate on our newly announced routes to Nashville and Indianapolis for summer 2025. Looking ahead, we’re on target to expand our XLR fleet from two to six aircraft in 2025, further strengthening our position as a market leader in North American connectivity.”
Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Benoît de Saint Exupéry, said “Aer Lingus becomes the latest operator of the world’s newest single-aisle aircraft: the A321XLR. It will truly revolutionise long-haul travel, allowing airlines to tap into new exciting city pairings as will be demonstrated by Aer Lingus. We stand alongside Aer Lingus and will together make its growing fleet of A321XLRs a resounding success operationally and with passengers.”
The A321XLR’s long-range performance supports Aer Lingus’ 18 U.S. routes, making it a key asset for the airline. The aircraft’s interior features 184 seats, including 16 full-flat Business Class seats and 168 Economy seats, all equipped with Airbus’ Airspace Cabin for enhanced passenger comfort. XL overhead bins offer 60% more storage space, and in-seat connectivity is available for all passengers.
The A321XLR is powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, offering 30% lower fuel burn and reduced emissions compared to previous models. It is also capable of using up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aligning with Aer Lingus’ sustainability goals.
Image Credit: Airbus
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 19 December 2024 All Rights Reserved
