Ireland’s national carrier has received the first of six aircraft of the same type.
Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flag carrier, has become the latest customer of Airbus’ newest single-aisle commercial airplane, the A321XLR. The airline has received the first of six A321XLR aircraft on order. On December 18, 2024, the plane took off from Airbus’ production factory in Hamburg, Germany, and flew to Dublin Airport in Ireland, the airline’s principal hub.
Aer Lingus’ first Airbus A321XLR is equipped with CFM LEAP-1A engines. The interior is divided into two classes, with 184 seats each. The figure includes 16 full-flat seats in Business Class and 168 in Economy. The XL overhead bins, which provide 60% more storage space than previous-generation aircraft, and the latest lighting system improve the flying experience.
The Airbus A321XLR can fly up to 4,700 nautical miles nonstop. That’s around 15% more than the A321LR. The increased range will allow Aer Lingus to fly new flights beyond the US East Coast and Canada. Nashville and Indianapolis are among the possible locations.
Aer Lingus is the world’s second operator to receive the Airbus A321XLR. In November 2024, Spain’s Iberia claimed the title of the launch operator of the said aircraft.