Aer Lingus has recently taken delivery of its first two Airbus A321XLR aircraft at Dublin Airport. These planes, registered as EI-XLR St Lelia / Liadhain and EI-XLT St Melanie / Mella, are part of a total order of six A321XLR aircraft aimed at enhancing the airline’s transatlantic service capabilities, including new routes to Nashville and Indianapolis starting in 2025.
The A321XLR boasts long-range capabilities, enabling flights up to 8,700 kilometers, marking a significant advance over the A321LR’s capabilities. As the second airline globally to incorporate the A321XLR into its fleet and the second airline in the International Airlines Group (IAG) to do so, Aer Lingus is poised to improve connectivity to various U.S. markets.
Passengers on the A321XLR can expect a spacious cabin design featuring enhanced overhead storage accommodating more luggage, wider seats for greater comfort, and state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and acoustic technology that ensures quieter cabins. The aircraft can carry 184 passengers in a two-class layout: 16 in Business Class and 168 in Economy Class.
Moreover, the A321XLR model offers a remarkable 20% reduction in fuel consumption per passenger compared to its predecessors, showcasing its potential for sustainable aviation by utilizing up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Lynne Embleton, Chief Executive of Aer Lingus, remarked: “The addition of our two new Airbus A321XLR aircraft signifies a monumental advancement for Aer Lingus. With these aircraft, we can expand our reach deeper into North America, connecting new markets with Europe through our Dublin hub, along with our newly planned routes to Nashville and Indianapolis by summer 2025. We anticipate growing our fleet to six XLR aircraft in the coming year, reinforcing our leadership in North American connectivity.”
Benoît de Saint Exupéry, Chief Commercial Officer at Airbus, commented: “Aer Lingus stands at the forefront of adopting the latest in single-aisle aircraft: the A321XLR. This model will revolutionize long-haul travel, allowing airlines to explore new city connections, which Aer Lingus will exemplify. We are committed to partner with them for the successful operational rollout of their A321XLR fleet.”
