Wizz Air UK delays Airbus A321XLR's debut on London to Jeddah service

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Wizz Air UK delays Airbus A321XLR's debut on London to Jeddah service

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Wizz Air A321XLR | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Apr 18, 2025

Wizz Air UK has delayed the introduction of its first Airbus A321XLR, altering plans for its operation on the London Gatwick-Jeddah route. The ultra-low-cost carrier reported problems during the delivery process of the aircraft, which was to use Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines.

The UK-based subsidiary, holding an independent air operator's certificate, made this postponement public through a statement to ch-aviation. On September 2024, CEO József Váradi announced initial plans to deploy the new aircraft on routes connecting London Gatwick Airport to Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport, and from Abu Dhabi to Milan Malpensa Airport.

Despite the delay, Wizz Air completed its inaugural flight from London Gatwick to Jeddah using an A321neo aircraft on March 31. Lufthansa lists the A321neo's range at 4,200 kilometers (2,267 nautical miles).

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Regarding the original plan for the A321XLR, Wizz Air stated, “The Airbus A321XLR is the most cost-efficient aircraft in its class… We are excited to offer unbeatable fares to our customers on the new route from London Gatwick to Jeddah."

Wizz Air UK's first A321XLR aircraft, with the registration G-XLRA, remains at Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport after a customer acceptance flight on March 28. This aircraft would have been the first with PW1100G engines delivered to an airline if not for the delay. Other A321XLR aircraft, received by Aer Lingus and Iberia, use CFM International LEAP-1As.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency certified the A321XLR's LEAP-1A engine technology in July 2024, with Federal Aviation Administration approval in December 2024. The European certification for PW1100G engines followed in February.

Currently, Aer Lingus and Iberia operate the A321XLR, with Aer Lingus deploying it on routes to the USA and Europe, and Iberia operating transatlantic flights and several European routes.

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